Time Out: Weekly quiet times for the youth worker’s soul.
(by Benjer McVeigh)
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-2
Take a look at the first two words of Isaiah 55:1 (NIV). What are they? “Come, all…” Everyone. The angels proclaimed that they were bringing “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
The Good News of Jesus is for everyone.
If we’re honest, we’ll admit that we don’t always act like the Good News is for everyone. We may not intentionally try to keep anyone out of our church, but do we really believe that the Good News is something that God wants everyone to know about? We interact with many different people each day. Is the fact that God wants those people to experience his transforming love apparent in our interactions with others? Do I offer a friendly smile and a listening ear when someone at work is hurting? Do I pray for my neighbor who is going through a difficult situation? When someone I know is wrestling with significant questions concerning the meaning of life, do I have the courage to talk with that person about it or invite him or her to church?
Christmas Day has come and gone. We’ve celebrated the fact that the God of Heaven humbled himself to be born a human. Immanuel. God with us. We’ve received the same Good News that the shepherds heard over 2,000 years ago: “a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” But have we bothered to tell anyone we know about it?
What about the people we haven’t met yet? What about the people in my neighborhood or around the world? What can I as a follower to help them hear about the unconditional love of God?
God tells all people to come, free of charge with no strings attached. May we as a youth workers do our part to extend that invitation to those in our communities and beyond.
Questions for Reflection:
What are some ways that you avoid telling people about the Good News of Jesus?
If for one day, during every interaction you had with someone you were to think to yourself, God’s offer of salvation is open to everyone, including this person, how would that change how you interact with people?
What is one way you can bring the Good News of Jesus to someone this week?
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Benjer McVeigh is a youth pastor in Ogden, UT, where he works with students in grades 9-12 and their families at Washington Heights Church. You can read more from Benjer at www.benjermcveigh.com or follow him on twitter
Posted on December 27, 2010
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