Good-News Carriers By Michael J. M. Hotchkiss (Texas)

How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”   ROMANS 10:14-15 (NIV)

As a young person, I was a newspaper carrier. Every afternoon like clockwork, my trusty black and white bicycle and I could be found on the streets of my route. I persevered through all kinds of weather so that my customers could read in detail the happenings outside the confines of their homes. I felt privileged that so many trusted me to provide this benefit to their lives, and I took the responsibility seriously. The apostles were called to spread a much greater news of their time, the news of Jesus — his life and message. Traveling the countryside, they spread the good news of God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ so that the people’s sins could be forgiven. And what a message! Jesus was sent to earth for all men and women of all races, whether rich or poor, powerful or not so powerful. Jesus is Lord, the Son of God. The apostles faced many obstacles beyond extremes of weather. Rejection, prison, and even death stood in the path of these carriers of the gospel, yet they persevered. We too can follow the apostles’ example and find opportunities each day to spread the good news.

TODAY'S PRAYER   Dear Lord, may we always be ready to share your word when we have opportunity. Amen.   * * *     TODAY'S READING   Romans 10:12-18         THOUGHT FOR THE DAY   Every day I will look for opportunities to share the gospel.         PRAYER FOCUS   Postal workers