2 Samuel 18:31

New International Version (NIV)

Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The Lord has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”

For Meditation

Probably one of the greatest impediments to the Gospel is how people receive it. It is the Good News of all time. However, the Gospel could easily make another record. It could possibly be the most rejected news of all time. Yet, it plows on through the wayside, rocky, thorny and good soils of the world, sowing the seed of salvation. The condition of the receiver determines its receptivity, sustenance, and productivity (Lk. 8:1-15). Sadly, it looks like those better placed to receive the truth are the likeliest to reject it.

There are several examples in the Bible of people who unfortunately received very good news at some critical points in their lives, with reservation and, for some, with outright rejection. Abraham is my first call, because he is the father of faith (Rm. 4:11, 16). Remember how he received the news from God that he would “surely” be blessed with a son by Sarah. It was good news but he stumbled. “Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, ‘Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety? (Gen. 17:16-17 Emphasis mine)’” Thank God it was a minor slip and he recovered and received the Promise we all enjoy today.

Related to Abraham’s example is that of the old priest, Zechariah. His doubt and rejection of Elizabeth’s conception showed in his rhetorical question, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well advanced in years” (Lk. 1:18). But the most interesting rejection I find common to the rejection of the Gospel by many is that of David to the good news of Absalom’s death (2 Sam. 18:33). We are talking about a young man who stood against the rule of his father with hatred and sly contempt (15:1-6), plotted and executed a conspiracy that drove his father from the throne (7-37). Now, shouldn’t David have received Absalom’s death as good news, when the Cushite announced it (18:31)?

But, he was the king’s beloved son!

The Gospel is rejected by lots of people because they love the very thing the cross of Calvary has put to death (Rm. 6:2). People love their sinful way of life and inappropriate relationships. They value their family ties, customs and practices, accomplishments, and current status more than the new life in Christ (1 Pt. 1:18-19). Like the rich young man, their reaction to the Good News is walking away sad or angry (Matt. 19:22).

I pray that is not your reaction to the Gospel, and that this Christmas, you will set aside all earthly affiliations and possessions, and embrace the Good News of Immanuel – God with us (1:23).

Shalom