‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’ (v16) Romans 1:16-17
The gospel means ‘good story’, and we all like a good story. It’s why TV streaming services have boomed. Daily we witness, just like Paul, good news stories of Jesus at work in our lives. Sadly, the gospel is often reduced to a proposition. It can sound like a psychological theory. Jesus, Himself the good news, didn’t lecture on metaphysics. He ate dinners with people, spoke at open-air picnics and provided the wine to at least one wedding, something that’s always appreciated.
We all have favourite biblical texts and ‘sound’ theological convictions, but these are never welcome at the neighbourhood barbecue. Better to tell stories about where and how God makes sense in everyday life, for we all share similar life experiences.
When the radiator partially fell off the wall, strained a joint and I watched water spraying into the living room, my state of shock was interrupted by the doorbell. A quick arrow prayer and I opened the door to my neighbour. I explained that it may not be a good moment, but he announced that his dad, a plumber, was visiting. In an hour, the problem was resolved. Good news indeed! Coincidence or God-incidence well, it’s left to the reader’s discretion. Witnessing is sharing good stories about how God makes sense in our everyday lives.
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: 2 Kings 4:1–7; Isa. 12; Acts 4:8–17; 1 John 1:1–4.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: What good stories can you tell where you have encountered God in everyday life? Who can you share them with, and when?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, open my eyes to the encounters I have with You in my daily life so that I have good stories to tell to those I meet every day. Amen.’
Photo by G. A. Hussein on flickr
