The Good News for '83

From: Echoes of Grace: 1982

• 2 min. read • grade level: 6

1982 is over at last! It was a year of trouble and turmoil, a year of a sinking economy and a rising crime rate, of small trials and terrible events. Who would want to live it over again?

Now we are starting a new year―1983. What will it bring? Can we hope the world is getting better? that human nature is improving? that the heart of man will be kinder and more pure? that the nations will be more peaceful?

The most incurable optimist hardly can talk of the "good time coming" in the face of the daily news; one can look in vain for good news there. The only cheerful note may be in the weather report: "Fair and sunny," or, "Farmers happy to see rain."

God's sunshine still shines on this world. His rain still falls on the dry soil, and-greatest blessing of all!―His mercy is still offered to any who will receive it.

The good news for this year or any year is the "gospel (good news) of the grace of God." There is no other hope for the world, for a nation, for an individual, for you.

Looking ahead, the natural reaction is fear of the future. All around us we see "distress of nations, with perplexity...men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21:25, 26²⁵And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; ²⁶Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Luke 21:25‑26). But the sun of God's love still shines, His salvation is still offered.

This year the offer may end; this year the door to heaven may close. Oh, accept salvation before it is too late!

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2²(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2).

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31). Then you may hear the Lord Jesus say to you: "Let not your heart be troubled," (John 14:1¹Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1)) and, "Fear not." Luke 12:32³²Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32). Walk in the sunshine of God's love in 1983, in the years to come, and through all eternity.

"Come Unto Me"

Come that you may find rest!

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28²⁸Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).

Come just as you are!

"For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9:13¹³But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13).

Come! for God says:

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Timothy 1:15¹⁵This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15).

Come now!