GOOD CHEER
‘Be of good cheer.’
This seems to be one of our Lord’s favourite expressions. Consider a few instances.
I. Because of sins forgiven.—‘ Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee’ (St. Matthew 9:2). These words were spoken to a man ill in soul and body. But our Saviour saw that his soul needed healing first.
II. Because faith has saved.—‘ Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee whole’ (St. Matthew 9:22, R.V.). Ill for twelve long years. She knew Christ could heal. Despairing of all other help, she hastened towards Him, and joined the mighty multitude which all down the ages have touched Him.
III. Because of Christ’s presence.—‘ Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid’ (St. Matthew 14:27). The disciples are tossed on the sea. The wind was contrary. ‘The darkness deepens.’ Then in the fourth watch of the night, just before the dawn ‘Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.’ Do not we too know what it is to be tossed on a dark sea of sorrow and doubt?
IV. Because Christ has overcome.—‘ Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world’ (St. John 16:33). In the world, we are to have tribulation; we have found that true. In Christ, Peace; may we find that true also. But we are to ‘Be of good cheer’ because Christ has overcome the world, and He can cheer us when our hearts are breaking and the world is reeling under our feet.
V. Therefore:—
(a) Look to Christ for your joy.
(b) Share with others the gift He bestows.
The Rev. F. Harper.
Illustrations
(1) ‘Latimer repeated the Saviour’s words at the stake in Oxford: “ Be of good cheer, Master Ridley! We shall this day by the grace of God light such a candle in England as shall never be put out.” ’
(2) ‘Frances Ridley Havergal’s dying message was, “The world needs bright Christians.” ’
(3) ‘A devout Christian woman adopted the habit of writing down, daily, a record of the mercies and good gifts which crowned the life of each day. On the opposite side of the page she wrote an account of her daily crosses and sorrows, and at the end of the year she confessed that the benedictions so outnumbered the calamities that her life seemed like an unbroken golden chain, and every hour was a link that lengthened this chain of blessings.’
(4) ‘Talking about his life in a great Northern city, a well-known man said that whenever he felt put out, or worried, or cross, or vexed, or depressed, because things had not being going on as he wished, he went into one or other of the great hospitals, and what he saw there always sent him home calm, refreshed, and contented.’