Did You Ever Get Good News?
In a time when there is so much bad and heartbreaking news, it is time for some good news. There is a phrase that says, “good news travels fast.” Perhaps it does. But it seems bad news travels faster. When I need good news, I don’t go to MSNBC, Fox News, or ABC. I was reminded of this as I was listening to an old CD compilation of several different skilled musicians. One such storytelling musician is Don Francisco. At the end of this post there are some links if you want to hear the good news songs I heard.
For positive and favorable information to be known quickly, those who hear the good news should be eager to share it. I often do that when I am talking about an investment. I want you to know the good news. But even the best news of today cannot hold a candle to the news Don Francisco shares in his story-songs.
An Aside Before the Good News
As I was typing “cannot hold a candle to”, I wondered where that saying originated. It meant that someone was vastly inferior to someone else. Holding a candle for someone was a menial task in the sixteenth century. Sir Edward Dering (1640) wrote “I be not worthy to hold a candle to Aristotle.” Dering was saying he was far below Aristotle. John Byrom’s, On the Feud between Handel and Bononcini (1773) said: “Others aver that he to Handel is scarcely fit to hold the candle.”
Now for the Basis for One Good News Song
There was a ruler in the synagogue. His name was Jairus. His twelve-year-old daughter, his only daughter, was dying. Jairus was desperate. He begged Jesus to come and heal her. Jesus started on his way only to be interrupted by a woman with another serious health problem. She had suffered with a blood discharge for twelve years. In other words, she had suffered as long as Jairus’s daughter had been alive. So, Jesus did what Jesus often did. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 8:48
And then, after the interruption, the account in Luke’s Gospel continues. “While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.’ But Jesus on hearing this answered him, ’Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.’ And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, ‘Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, ‘Child, arise.’ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.” Luke 8:49-56
Isn’t that amazing? He said don’t tell anybody. Did they? Perhaps not right away. But Luke certainly told everyone. Got to tell somebody what Jesus did for me!
Don and Wendy Francisco
“Got To Tell Somebody” is the song I heard on the CD. I have a hard time listening to this song without tears.
Got To Tell Somebody LINK
Another great Don Francisco song is “He’s Alive.” You see, it didn’t end with the little girl or Jesus’s friend Lazarus. He was convicted without any evidence, died, was buried and rose again. Paul summarizes the importance of all of this in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul broke out with good news in this chapter, verses 56-57, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He’s Alive LIVE Link One from Sep 27, 2012
He’s Alive LIVE Link Two Sep 25, 2015
More About Don Francisco
“Don Francisco has been writing and recording since 1974. The son of a seminary professor, bible translator and scholar, Don has been familiar with the workings of Christianity from an early age. In 1976, he wrote the hit, “He’s Alive” and began to travel giving concerts and sharing his vision of a loving and forgiving God. Many albums followed and Don is known worldwide now, mostly for his talent for taking stories from scripture, and creating ballads from the point of view of the people in the stories. Don’s audiences are always refreshed by the potency of God’s love and grace in these ballads. Over the years we have received uncountable emails telling us about people hearing “He’ Alive” for the first time while driving, and literally pulling off of the road to cry.”
“Religion often applies subtle pressure to cause us to feel devalued or unworthy, and Don’s songs always interrupt this and take us back to a simple and living love.” (LINK)
Don Francisco website
Don Francisco Facebook Page
All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.
Know Your Flocks & Herds 