Hello everybody. Today we’re going to talk about “good words.” 

What “good word” is it that you want to hear from me today? 

Do you prefer the word of “Us vs. Them”? It’s such a soothing word, after all, because we are always “us” … and they are always “them.” Its “good” to be on the right side with God, isn’t it? And it’s “bad” to be on the other side. So, do you want me to assure you today that you’re on God’s side … the right side … our side? 

Or maybe you prefer the “chosen people” word today. It’s comforting to know that God loves us more because we know the truth. After all, Jesus said, “the truth shall set us free.” And we do know the truth, right? Well, uh, at least we know our truth … and our truth is always right! Would you like me to congratulate you today for your version of the truth?

Then again, maybe it’s a good day for the “Jesus is like us” word. That’s always reassuring! Have you seen his picture lately? I think we might be related, he looks so much like my second cousin, Patrick. The blue eyes. The long blond hair. And the thing I love most … that “America First” button! Would today be a good day to thank God for making Jesus just like us?

Or, perhaps you have your favorite “good words.” 

I put “good word” in quotes, because we all have those good words that reassure us of who we are; justify our way of life; clarify our goodness and rightness; and situate us right smack dab in the path of God’s light. Those are really good “good words,” aren’t they? 

But there are some other “good words” that we might want to consider. These are the words that come straight from the Good Shepherd. Sometimes these words are not so soothing or comforting. In fact, often these words are challenging and lead us to reflect upon who we really are and how we are living our life. 

I wonder if you would like to hear some of those words today. 

Hello? Hello? Is there anyone still here?

Oh … hi there … I’m so glad you stuck around! Did you notice how the crowd just got a lot smaller?  

So let’s move on. You see, the good words that I will share with you today are special words. Some people call them, “red-letter words.” That means that they are words spoken directly by Jesus himself. And though Jesus didn’t speak English (and He wasn’t American either!), He did have some very important words to share with us about how to live like He did. 

Now, I don’t know if that’s something you’re really interested in. I have discovered that many more people say they are, than really are. It seems many people prefer the “good words” like the ones I talked about before: the “Us and Them” words; or the “Chosen People” words; or the “Jesus is like us” words. There are many other versions of these kinds of good words. But they are not “red-letter” words. 

Jesus gave us His “good words” because He loves us so much that He doesn’t want us to stay the way we are – He wants us to become more like Him, a little bit each day! Those other good words are nice, but they won’t help us become more like Jesus. 

But His “good words” will! These are legit “red-letter” words straight from the mouth of Jesus … directly into your waiting heart. So, if you’re ready for them, spend some time with each of these “good words” this week. Cut these out and tape them to your fridge … and then pick one each day to try to live up to. 

If you’re willing to do that, then you’ll find yourself changing … and becoming more like Jesus. And really, that’s all He ever wants from you! 

GOOD RED-LETTER WORDS FROM THE GOOD SHEPHERD:

Hope you enjoyed these “good words” —  Pastor Bob