It Doesn't Get Better than That

Scripture: After the reading of the Scriptures—God’s Law and the Prophets—the president of the meeting asked them, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?" Acts 13:15

Observation: After the reading of scripture, Paul is invited to speak, which is common practice. The leader explicitly asks for perhaps an encouraging word for the people to take home with them. Paul responds with the most encouraging word of all ... the fact that Jesus, the promised Messiah, has come and been resurrected from death, for the redemption of all, fulfilling the great promise to the Jews.

Paul's speech covers a bit of history, going back to delivery from Egyptian exile, the promise made to David of an eternal leader to come from his line, and Isaiah's prophesy about another prophet to prepare the way for that Messiah being completed by John the Baptist. However, at its core is the gospel, the good news, the best news possible, that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection completed every prophetic promise of scriptures, and he is the Messiah who will never rot from death but provides eternal life to anyone who believes.

Application: I am reminded today of this very, very simple truth ... the message that Jesus is Messiah and provides salvation by faith alone is well and truly the most encouraging word anyone could ever receive. This message is far better than anything that relates to earthly activities, like a motivational speech about success, or congratulations for a job well-done, or even a statement of support provided when one feels down.

"We know for certain two facts. The first is that, for hundreds of years, the Jewish people documented the words that prophets heard from the Lord about a promised Messiah who would grant salvation to all people who simply place their faith in the Lord. The second is that it is indisputable that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every single one of those prophetic words, even being resurrected from death. Now you - everyone - can have that salvation by faith alone."

I mean, it just doesn't get better - or simpler - than that!

Prayer: Lord, I believe! Thank you for Jesus, and for the good news of salvation. May I keep that message at the tip of my tongue, ready to go to tell others whenever they need an encouraging word. Amen.