Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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GOSPEL: Good News to All

Psalms 146


Dr. Derry Rajan

7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; 8  the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.


Good News is the English translation of the Greek word euangélion, which means, ‘Good Messenger’. In Old English, it was translated as gōdspel (gōd "good" + spel "news").  The Old English term was retained as gospel in middle English bible translations and continues to be used in modern English.

Many scholars think that Psalm 146 was written after the Babylonian exile.  The people of Israel wanted peace and security.  It was in this backdrop that their hearts look unto the Lord, the one who created the heavens and the earth.  Time was the greatest revealer.  Kings had come and gone, but the fate of the subjects lay with the King of Kings.  With the uncertainty that surrounded them, there was one thing that was certain for the people of Israel that His promises would come true and He would reign forever.  This was good news juxtaposed with uncertainty that surrounded them.

In our times of uncertainty with economic turmoil, unemployment, job insecurity, family strife, how do we perceive the promise of a savior?  Does it even mean anything?  Do we doubt his existence as the skeptic does when we see the world surrounding us seems to be so out of control and in total ruckus?  Is the hope that nurtures our faith being strangled by our carnal desires?  How do we juxtapose the good news with uncertainty surrounding us?

We can live the good news if we continue to hope in the God who has dwelt among us. “In the world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

Thought for the day:
In our world drowned with bad news, what is good about the good news?

Prayer: O Lord let me hunger for you. Set me free from the desires of this world so that my heart may be set on things that are high. Grant me the vision that I may perceive things as you perceive them.  Amen!



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