Be Of Good Cheer

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Jan 2005

"Be of good cheer!" On four occasions in the gospel records the Lord Jesus encouraged the dispirited and stressed with these words. That is how the older English versions translate the expression. More recent versions use such variations as, "Take heart!" or "Take courage!" They each convey the Master's message to our hearts, striking a note of hope and joy as we enter Year 2005.

Yet the world scene seems pervaded with gloom! The horrific genocide in the Sudanese province of Dafur (featured in last month's 'Focus') continues unabated. Conflict escalates in Iraq with consequently increased destruction, bloodshed and misery. Following the death of Yasser Arafat last November new uncertainties beset would-be promoters of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. With vivid memories of last year's terrorist outrages such as the Madrid railway bombings and the school siege in Southern Russia, the western world is haunted by the continuing threat. In the religious world Islam is winning more converts than Christianity. Socially, 'gay rights' movements steadily gain ground. All the indications point towards fulfilment of the solemn prediction in Isaiah 60:2, 'For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people'.

Nevertheless faith in God's power and promises brings the believer's glad response to the call that we should be of good courage: the more so as we recall the situations when the Master used the expression.

Matthew 9:2

'Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer;your sins are forgiven you."' Mark and Luke tell us that this was the occasion when the paralytic's four friends showed such determination: they went up on the house-top and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. Was the man fearful that because of past sin in his life Jesus would regard him as unworthy to be healed? Was that one reason why the Lord first assured him that his sins were forgiven? Perhaps so, although it was clearly also the Lord's intention to confirm His authority on earth to forgive sins. With what immense relief the the paralytic would hear the words, "Be of good cheer!" Despite all his failure and crippled condition the Saviour's welcome and forgiveness were assured.

Luke 8:48

'And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."'

After twelve years' fruitless search for healing this woman had said to herself, '"If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well."' So she came up from behind Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. How startled she was when the Lord turned round and asked who had touched Him: '� she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him �, �? the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately'. Again the Lord's, "Be of good cheer," brought reassurance in a moment of apprehension and fear.

Matthew 14:26-27

'And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."' The apostles had struggled through the night against contrary winds and battering waves. It was after 3 am when they saw a man walking on the sea towards them. Little wonder they cried out for fear! But all fear was dispelled by their Master's, "Be of good cheer." His renewed presence with them brought calm of mind and heart, and relief from contrary wind and wave.

John 16:33

'"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."'

What forebodings filled the hearts of the apostles as the Lord Jesus spoke to them on the eve of His crucifixion! How overpowering the forces of darkness in the world must have seemed to them that night! Nevertheless He urges, "Be of good courage." They were to take heart, to take courage, because their Lord and Master had overcome the world.

May we share that confidence, whatever the year ahead may hold for us!

PRASHER, G. | Jan 2005
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