Fake news?

It seems like we read fake news everywhere we look these days. For the younger generation who grew up with the Internet, the “fake news” is no longer a surprise, but for a baby boomer like me it is! I grew up with the truth that journalism as a profession had been entrusted with for decades. The idea that there are not only fake messages, but that they are deliberately prepared in such a way that they appear believable, is a bit of a shock to me.

There is also the opposite of fake news—real good news. Of course, I immediately thought of the one joyful message that matters most: the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. “After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and preached the gospel of God.” (Mk 1,14).

As followers of Christ, we hear the Gospel so often that we sometimes seem to forget its impact. This good news is described in the Gospel of Matthew as follows: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light; and on those who sat in the land and shadow of death, a light has dawned.” (Mt 4,16).

Think about it for a moment. Those who haven't yet heard the good news of Christ's life, death, and resurrection are living in the land of death, or in the shadow of death. It doesn't get any worse! But the good news of Jesus is that this death sentence has been lifted—there is new life in a restored relationship with God through Jesus, through his Word and his Spirit. And not just for an extra day, an extra week, or even an extra year. Forever and ever! As Jesus himself said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whoever lives by believing in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Joh 11,25-26).

That is why the gospel is described as good news: it literally means life! In a world where “false news” is something to worry about, the gospel of the kingdom of God is good news that gives you hope, confidence, and trust.

by Joseph Tkach