Have you ever wondered what life was like 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked this earth? Back in the Roman Empire during the time of Jesus life was cheap and expendable. Fully 25% of the people were slaves, those who were sick and in poverty were rarely cared for, and the concept of the ancient gods loving people was unheard of. Fast forward to the year 2021 and what do we find today in many third world countries? Poverty is rampant, sickness abounds, and hope for a better future is almost non-existent. Even in the developed countries of today millions in America are addicted to drugs and alcohol, over a billion people in China live under communist rule, and hundreds of thousands of the inhabitants of Calcutta India live their entire lives on the streets of that city.
Many ask where is the God of the Bible during these times and situations. And if God is so good why does He allow such tragic conditions to continue. I think that a question that was posed years ago to Mother Teresa can help give us the answer. Someone once asked her if God is so good why does he allow millions of people to go hungry every day? Her answer was quick and telling. She said that don’t blame God for there is enough food in our world to feed everyone if we would just care a little more for our fellow man and distribute food more evenly.
My friends it is because of sin that our world has gone haywire. Fortunately, Christians have, down through the centuries, done much to alleviate human suffering through a host of humanitarian aid programs. But because of sin and human depravity these measures can only alleviate so much. Along with humanitarian aid Christians are the only people that can share true and lasting hope for a truly hurting planet. In perhaps one of the most wonderful verses in all of Scripture, (Luke 2:10) gives us the antidote to all of this human suffering when it says: “And so, the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.’”
I love this verse for three reasons. First, the angel brings good news. Another name for good news is the Gospel. Jesus Christ is the best news we can ever share with a hurting world. Second, the angel says that this news will bring great joy since Jesus’ death on the cross can free us from the bondage of sin. Not only that but His resurrection promises us eternal life! And third, the angel says that this good news is for everyone. Jesus extends His wonderful invitation for a new life of hope to all who will come to Him.
Without an understanding that sin is the root cause of all the issues we see all around us we will never realize that Jesus is the only solution to this universal problem. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed good news that can bring great joy to everyone. In closing I am not saying that if you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior that you won’t get sick or still struggle financially. But even if you do you can still experience the joy of knowing that Jesus will always be near you, loving you and cheering you on through all of life’s tribulations. And that one day, no matter how bad a shake you got in this life, you will receive the gift of eternal life with Jesus in heaven!
“give of joy”…”eternal life”…so true!
thanks for this post.
Elaine