Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, said he grew up with the mindset of, “Be all you can be. You get what you deserve. Work harder; try harder.” However, as Bart grew up, he realized the bankruptcy of works without a relationship with Jesus. He says the song, “Best News Ever,” is “honestly … one of my favorite songs.” Why? In typical inspirational fashion, Bart reveals, “That’s what makes the Gospel not just the Good News but the best news ever!”
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” Romans 4:7-8 (NLT)
“Rick, it’s just not a good fit.”
These words echoed through my soul. For years, I worked hard at the church. The leadership team gave me a “list” to work on for improvement. Though I was told I was “doing fine” or “improving in every area,” a month later, I was let go. The layoff left me bewildered. It wounded my wife, and it isolated our family for months.
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough? Do you ever wonder if you have what it takes? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re in good company. Bart Millard, lead singer with MercyMe, has experienced those feelings, and MercyMe’s song, “Best News Ever,” is loaded with encouragement for those who believe they’ll never measure up.
In the song, Bart sings, “Some say, ‘Don’t give up,’ and hope that your good is good enough.” The lyrics remind me of the spiritual treadmill we are tempted to live on. We often think if we work hard enough, we will earn heaven, even deserve heaven. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Our behavior is important, but it is NEVER a qualification for God’s acceptance of us; grace is. Here are two encouraging truths of the best news ever that should flood our souls with joy:
First, the “fight’s already been won.” The chorus resounds with good news when it says, “What if I were the one to tell you that the fight’s already been won… That the work’s already been done.” The work of Jesus on the cross is finished. You don’t need to earn forgiveness. Jesus purchased it for you. What grace!
Second, you can find rest in the Son. I get tired of living on a performance treadmill, where I always have to do things to impress God, don’t you? But Jesus offers rest for our weary souls. Notice the invitation in the song: “So won’t you come. Come all you weary and you burdened, you heavy laden and you hurting, for all of you with nothing left. Come and find rest” (Matthew 11:28-29). What an invitation! What news!
There’s no need to try and impress God because our acceptance is based on Jesus’ perfect performance. You don’t have to do anything to make God love you any more than He already does right now.
That really is the best news ever!
Reflect and Respond:
- What steps can you take to get off the performance treadmill?
- How can you find rest for your soul this week and always?
_______
If you need prayer or you would like to talk with a K-LOVE Pastor, we are here to serve you. Call us at 844-364-4673 (hope).
