“Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” Hmm…

Have you ever been asked that question? Have you ever asked someone else that question? Sometimes its good news, sometimes bad, and sometimes it’s a bit of both. How quickly you deliver the message may depend on how important you think it is.

So, do you tell the good news or the bad first? And how long does it take to deliver the message? In a rush, or not so much? Too exciting to delay? Too busy to deliver? Too tired to hurry? Too afraid of the response? Too… ? You can fill in your blank.

For Tim, in Chapter 12 of The Bridge from OneDayBow, nothing is ever wasted. Every experience, everything learned, and every piece of equipment is useful. Peace-shoes are now firmly on his feet, to take the good news of release from Natas’ power to hold people captive. They’re heavy shoes – sturdy for the particular terrain and circumstances Tim would meet. Something about these shoes will enable Tim to go further than he may naturally be able, and sometimes just give him the strength to stand. Most of all he will need their grip in that upside-down land of HereAndNow.

Let’s listen in on Tim’s instruction from the King’s Son:

“You have good news to take them of the King’s promised peace.

Those who choose to cross My Bridge, Natas has to release.

Keep these shoes on – be ready! – and walk purposefully.

Be aware of the pitfalls and don’t act carelessly.”

Definitely, there is good news that is really good news in light of the bad news – and all very important! Tim has had a huge lesson in history and humility, but most of all in the overwhelming love of the King. As Tim now knows, the good news of the Bridge from OneDayBow is that the Son has defeated Natas’ death-grip by conquering the grave! Natas cannot block entrance into the Kingdom by any living person who chooses to take the cross to be free! And it is all, and only, because of the sacrifice of the Son.

There is no other way than the Way the King provides: by His Son. No one comes to the Father except through His Son. They are perfectly united in purpose and in Person – they are One! And because of all this, what tremendous hope! What good news of great joy!!!

So what about the peace-shoes? They are not special wearing apparel for a fun night out. Their use isn’t limited to a particular season or climate. They are worn continually, because there needs to be a constant state of readiness to share the good news. But, how will they enable to Tim to go further than he may naturally be able, and sometimes just give him the strength to stand?  The power isn’t in the shoes, it is in the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. The path of sharing may not always be level and smooth; there may be obstacles on the way –  and then you have the tempters who want to keep everything upside down with their lies and deceptions! That is why it is so important to keep the shoes on – be ready! – and walk purposefully. Be aware of the pitfalls and don’t act carelessly.

Christian friends; For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. (Ephesians 6:15)

We have the Gospel of Peace to share, and Christmas is a great time to share it, so be ready! And when you tell the Good News, don’t be afraid to share the bad news as well: the world is in the darkness of sin, captive to Satan, but Jesus came to shatter his death-grip so that all who are willing can be free! There is no better News, and nothing more important to share!

During the rest of December, I’m going to take a break from the book to talk about what The Book has to say about the Good News of Great Joy at Christmas. I hope you’ll check in again and be encouraged as you walk out the Gospel!