By Pastor John Mateos Ong
There are two events every year where people are more receptive to invitation: Christmas and Holy Week. Since the latter is fast approaching, we need to be prepared for it. We want to be bearers of good news, thus our new series.
Luke 4:16-22 says, “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.”
Before I continue, I want to tell you the difference between anointed and appointed. Anointed is when you are gifted by God into a certain status or position. The gift is the spirit that empowers you. Anointing is holy; God will use you for a certain purpose in His kingdom. Appointed is when you are placed in the position. You can be appointed but not anointed; you can also be anointed without being appointed. But the best things happen when you are anointed and then appointed. Usually, anointing happens before appointing. Just like David. It was not until 15 years later when he was appointed after his anointing. Did he get tired of waiting? No. But usually, one becomes impatient. Many anointed people are just waiting for their appointment. Do not worry because God does not forget those He anointed. He does not take it back. If there are closed doors, wait patiently on the Lord. Even Jesus had to wait. When He was asked to perform miracles, He said it was not yet time.
Jesus was anointed to proclaim the good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for prisoners, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He had five things to do and His ministry was good. All He did was read the word; He did not preach. Yet everyone was amazed by Him. But not long after, the same people who were awed by Him were the same people who doubted Him.
Do you ever wonder why you have doubts with the people you trust? The people who were amazed by Jesus were actually offended because He was talking about grace. They have been working so hard to follow all the laws and here comes Jesus making it so easy for everybody. Jesus, therefore, did not do miracles there because of their lack of faith.
You are the bearers of good news. And you are tasked to pass it on.
See the need and empathize-Matthew 9:36 says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” You have to see the need so that you will see the urgency to share the gospel to the people around you. Your job as a messenger is very important especially when you take it to heart. There will be challenges along the way and some people will not your deem your message as important as you think. Sometimes, the message you bring is the same message you need to hear. But the message you bring gives life. Even if it is rejected, as long as you did your job, then you did a good job.
Expect rejection - John 15:18-19 says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Rejection is good. If you have not been rejected, then you have not been sharing enough. Even in sales. If you have not been rejected, you have not sold enough. You have to take risks to show that your intention is real. The easy way is not always the way to do it. We are meant to be rejected because we are not of the world. Failure is the bridge to success. Every failure leads you one step closer to success. If you are not willing to fail, you are also not willing to succeed.
Make them see the need - 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” You cannot sell medicine to someone who does not believe that he is sick. Those who are perishing will know that only the power of God can save them. But those who are ok will not appreciate it that much.
You probably think that life is a mad scramble for power and identity. But the truth is, you are looking for someone to rule over you. Businessmen think that they are the most powerful of them all. Some political families even kill each other to the finish to reach the top. What they do not know is that they are slaves to the system. That is what rules over their life. If they lose their position, life becomes meaningless because that is their god.
Some people need to be told what the issue is. What God desires for us is freedom in Christ. We need to repent of our sins and take hold of the good news. A Christian’s message is love but his calling card is joy. That is real worship. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” It will show your true Christianity. Romans 10:13-15 says, “for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Do not be afraid to get rejected. It brings you closer to your goal. They are not rejecting you - they are rejecting Jesus! But what if they accept Him? Then that is one less person in hell! Many people are deceived. They think everything is ok. But if you know the urgency and importance of the message, then you will act accordingly. You are not just the good people. You are the good news people. And everyone is anointed to bring the good news to the world.
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