Good News
If you were with us last Sunday at Shelby Crossings, you know we began a new sermon series from the Old Testament book of Hosea. The message of the book will be "scandalous," as we discussed, not just because it's near R-rated content, but also because the truth about God's love and grace to us blows away our expectations.
As I mentioned on Sunday, I hope as we study through Hosea this summer, we will enter in to the story and feel its confounding realities. That also means that we have to make sure we take the right perspective in how we view the story. If we are prone toward self-righteousness, or even to playing the role of victim, we will likely take Hosea's side. However, if we read the book as it was intended we will see ourselves more like the wayward Gomer, broken and in need of mercy. And as we do the full effects of God's unconditional love and amazing grace will come to light for us.
Perhaps the best thing that could come out of this series would be for us to see ourselves as we really are, and in doing so, finally see God for who He really is. And for many of us, that's going to break the walls out of our God-box.
There's a popular song being played these days on Christian radio, by an artist named Matthew West. It's called "Good," and it has a great message for all of us. It's a reality check for those who feel like they have to be good, to earn God's approval and love. The lyrics contrast the things that God is good at, with the things that we are good at. And they basically answer the distorted and largely gospel-less idea that we have to be "good enough" to somehow earn God's grace. Which, of course, is a contradiction of terms.
I thought I would share with you the lyrics of the song. If you know it you can sing along. If not, maybe you can look it up online and give it a listen. Mainly, I hope the message reminds you that you don't have to "be good for goodness sake," but that you are loved just the way you are.
I used to think grace was a ladder
Every sinner had to climb
If only I could just do better
I could earn it over time
Tried to work my way to good
Trouble is I never could
But then You showed me
Just exactly how grace works
[Chorus]
I’m good at always falling down
You’re good at never giving up
I’m good at getting turned around
You’re good at saying I’m still loved
And I was wrecked by mercy
The day I understood
I’m not loved because I’m worthy
I’m loved because You’re good
I think Paul wrote the book of Romans
For people just like me
For all the beat up and the broken
Who need to know that grace is free
Why do I do the things I shouldn’t
And I don’t do the things I should
That’s just the proof
You’re the only part of me
That’s good
That's Good News, for all of us! We're not loved because we're worthy, we're loved because God is good!
May the radical truth of the gospel, whether it comes from an 8th-century BC Old Testament prophet or a 21st century AD contemporary Christian artist, hit home for you today. I look forward to a great weekend at Shelby Crossings, first for our Men's Conference on Friday and Saturday, and then a great morning of celebrating God's love for us in worship on Sunday. I hope to see YOU there!
--Pastor Ken
