This week we saw that Jesus was announcing Good News (how the Greek word “Euangelion” is usually translated). We don’t have a word in English quite like Euangelion. Euangelion was used, for example, to describe the announcement that Nero had become emperor. Or that a major battle had been won. Its a particular kind of announcement. Interesting that Jesus characterized his message that The Kingdom of God is near as Euangelion.
Like last week, we listen to how Isaiah. In verses 7-10 Isaiah describes “good news” (euangelion) as the announcement that God reigns. Its the news carried by those beautiful feet! If you were living in despair, would this chapter give you hope?
Paul (formerly Saul) is a remarkable person. He is a prominent Pharisee and so he knew Isaiah and the old testament backwards and forwards. He has a crazy encounter with Jesus. The encounter is so powerful that he immediately starts preaching and switches from being a persecutor to being the persecuted (I wonder what happened to his travelling companions). Then he goes off the radar and for likely 10 years or so, he wrestles with this Good News and then sees how it was part of God’s plan. Paul’s writings make up about 1/3 of our New Testament (Luke just a little less). We’ll read Paul tomorrow.
Verses 1-8 were the key verses from Sunday. Given his history, Paul could see and share out how The Messiah was God’s Euangelion, and that was His plan all along. Knowing a little about Paul, how does this strike you?
This is our key passage for next week (combined service). Paul describes what our new invitation to life in God’s kingdom looks like. What do you notice? See how this compares to what you hear on Sunday.
This is how the Kingdom looks when it is fully realized (in apocalyptic language). Heaven comes to Earth and all our training gets put to use as we live and rule in this new Kingdom. What strikes you? How does it make you feel?