Simply Good News

In a world inundated by “news,” how did I miss the truly good news of Jesus:

As the only true rest in this life?

As the only hope for eternal beauty?

As the only unpolluted motivation?

As the only life-giving identity?

The good news of grace is my only place of deep, lasting rest:

Since by Him, my unpayable debt is finally paid.

Since before Him, I can’t hide, and I finally don’t have to.

Since through Him, I am finally free from perpetual bondage.

Since in Him, I know I am truly loved, so I can finally love others.

The good news of grace uniquely unfolds transforming beauty:

Where His merciful heart, in me, replaces my entitled heart of stone.

Where His redemptive heart, sent out, liberates enslaved people.

Where His gracious heart, between us, unifies disparate parts into a Body.

Where His gathering heart, across the globe, unites tribe and tongue.

The good news of grace is my only hope for pure inspiration:

As His sacrifice for me motivates my heart to serve others.

As His lovingly correction in me permits His reflection through me.

As His forgiveness of me makes the wrongs of others unrecordable.

As His redemption of my broken life empowers hope for this world.

The good news of grace mercifully grants me a new name:

While I trust His perfect life covers my corrupt one.

While I seek His eternal will above my egocentric one.

While I rely on His Kingdom perspective above my limited one.

While I bear the name of Jesus above and in every earthly one.

The good news of grace empowers a meaningful life:

May I sink into His unequaled restfulness.

May I call out His beauty in and around me.

May I embrace the work of my resurrected Savior.

And may my life simply echo the good news.

Patti McCarthy Broderick

Written in honor of Timothy Keller

December 2021