¹⁶ But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” ¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. ¹⁸ But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have:

“The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.”

¹⁹ But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said, “I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.”

²⁰ And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.”

²¹ But regarding Israel, God said, “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.”

Not Everyone Will Hear

The fact is, not everyone is receptive to the good news that God loves them. There are a multitude of reasons why people reject the gospel. At the top of the list is a lack of faith. They simply cannot – or will not – believe.

But I love what this passage says: Faith comes from hearing.

In other words, while it is true that some will reject the message even after they hear it, the reality is that no one can accept it until they hear it. In other words, if you decide that a certain person isn’t interested in hearing the message, and therefore you don’t share it, then an opportunity is missed. Maybe they would have received it. Maybe, hearing you share your own personal experience is just what they needed to build faith in their own life. There’s no way of knowing unless you take the opportunity to share.

“But, what if they reject me?” You might ask. Well, consider yourself in good company. As Paul points out, people have rejected the prophets all through Scripture. People rejecting the good news isn’t something new.

The question we should be asking is, “What if they accept the message? What if, after hearing me share how God has changed my life, faith builds up in their heart and they respond by asking for more? What if, a simple conversation about my personal experience with Christ changes their life forever?”

Of course, we wont know unless you share.

My prayer: God, help me to always be open to sharing the message of good news. May I always be ready to give an answer to those who ask what matters in my life. When my actions cause someone to inquire about my life, help me to share openly the truth of your transforming grace. Amen.”

Until tomorrow.

¹⁴ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? ¹⁵ And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

How Will They Hear?

Sometimes people tell me that their faith is a private matter. They don’t share their beliefs with others because they don’t like to reveal that side of themselves. Personally, I think that’s a copout. And, it goes against what the Bible teachers.

Others tell me that it’s really the job of preachers to share the good news. They may even use this passage, where it talkes about not being able to go unless you are “sent”. In other words, unless you’re called to go and share the good news, then it’s not your job to do so.

I agree 100% with the idea that only those who are called should share the good news. I think that is such a biblical way of thinking. Of course, so is Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissions everyone who is a follower of his to go and share the good news. Yes, only those who are called should share the gospel. And yes, if you are a follower of Christ, then you’ve been called. So, share the good news.

Of course, sharing the good news isn’t really just about the words that come out of your mouth. I believe it has as much (if not more) to do with living a life that testifies to the changes that God brings. As one preacher of old put it, “Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary.”

It’s Christmas. Have you shared with anyone the incredible story of Christmas?

My prayer: Lord, may my life be an open testimony of all you have done for me. May my actions declare your goodness and grace. May everything I do point people to you. Amen.

Until tomorrow.