Bring the Good News - The Crosswalk Devotional - May 4

Bring the Good News
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” - Isaiah 52:7

As part of our strategy to become more missional and impact our community, I was tasked with maintaining food donations for our local high school. Although we live in an affluent community, many children attend school without adequate food or resources. Our church took on the responsibility of collecting food donations throughout the year and giving them to its local high school food closet. This way, students can contact their teachers or administrative staff to arrange private food deliveries, so they have enough to take home and maintain food security. 

During one of the monthly drop-offs, I struggled to bring the full organizational bin of food to the door. I had asked them to get a cart so I could wheel it into the high school. When the teachers opened the door, they were astonished. They were so grateful to have that much food donated to their students. 

Because they often provided food privately to keep kids from being bullied or made fun of, they could not ask for food donations in the community. They had to rely on people with that type of information to meet the need tangibly.

It deeply touched my heart to be able to provide food to the students in that way. Not only was I able to live out my faith with my church, but we also impacted our community through small acts of obedience. By being the tangible hands and feet of Jesus, we were able to bring Jesus into the school system, which typically inhibits religious activity. 

This reminds us that it is important not only to listen to a sermon and go to church every Sunday, but also to be the hands and feet of Christ. Even the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact on those around us.

In what way can you be the hands and feet of Christ? In what way can you bring good news and proclaim peace to those in your community? Can you help by providing a tangible need to someone who needs it? Can you describe the gospel to someone who needs clarification on a Scripture passage? 

Can you create an environment where people in a small group setting can share deeply and intimately, not only meeting their emotional needs but also becoming equipped to spread the gospel to those who need it most? No matter what you do, seek to serve the Lord in great and mighty ways, both inside your church community and outside of it. Let the message of Jesus be so clear it's unmistakable. 

People see the light of Jesus more clearly when we lovingly demonstrate gestures that show his love to others. 

Take a moment to brainstorm ways your church can be the feet of those who bring good news to others in your local community. Maybe it is as simple as donating food to high school students in need. Maybe it's donating a portion of your paycheck each week or month to a nonprofit organization that champions a cause close to your heart. Whatever the case may be, be the people who make a tangible impact on the world. 

We live in a country where we can freely proclaim the gospel both with our mouths and with our actions. Let us not take this fact for granted. Let us proclaim the gospel frequently before it becomes illegal. Let’s be people so connected to the gospel that we can't help but share the good news with everyone we meet. Let us take actions so great that they positively impact people, and allow them to proclaim, “Your God reigns!”

Father, let us be people who love people in practical, tangible ways. Let us be the literal feet of those who bring good news to everyone they meet. Allow the good news to be a message of love, compassion, and empathy for those who are struggling. Through grand and small gestures, let everything we do be done in love. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is one practical step you can take today to be the person who brings good news to everyone around you? 

Further Reading:
Isaiah 58:10

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/doidam10 

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spritual Reset Podcast. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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