“And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead. 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. 22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? 23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. 24 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone. 25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near. And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings. 27 And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.” 2 Samuel 18:20-27 KJV
God of Good News,
Two runners, one carrying bad, sad news and the other running as one known for carrying good news. How wonderful to be known as someone who carries good news. Ahimaaz had been told by Joab that the kings son was dead but he chose not to say anything to David, rather that there had been a lot of commotion. The other runner blurted out the bad news. David mourned for his Son till he was reminded that along with the dab news there had been a victory and his troops needed to know the good news and the bad. (2 Samuel 19:1-4).
We also run with two very different messages. We carry the news that God’s Son died on a cross, and was buried. Be we also carry the good news. That he rose victorious from the dead and was seen by his disciples and many others (1 Corinthians 15:6). How wonderful to be known as someone who always looks like they have good news. Not gossip, not negativity but full of the goodness of God to share when and where possible.
As Paul encourages us, as God’s troops, help us to be willing to have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Thursday 8th May 2025
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, Good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness
Our God reigns, our God reigns.
Our God reigns, our God reigns
Our God reigns, our God reigns
You watchmen lift your voices joyfully as one
Shout for your King, your King
See eye to eye the Lord restoring Zion
Your God reigns, your God reigns
Chorus
Waste places of Jerusalem break forth with joy
We are redeemed, redeemed
The Lord has saved and comforted His people
Your God reigns, your God reigns!
Chorus . . .
Ends of the earth, see the salvation of your God
Jesus is Lord, is Lord
Before the nations He has bared His holy arm
Your God reigns, Your God reigns!
Chorus . . . repeat . . .
Lyrics: Leonard E Smith (1974)