Dwelling in God’s word: How shall they hear?

Throughout the ages, people have used the latest technology to keep in touch, share good news and encourage one another. Why should today be any different?

Over the centuries, humans have developed various means of communication; some better than others, but all designed to communicate a message.

Most would agree that oral communication came first, and then progressed to written forms – on stone, papyrus, paper, handwritten, then by the printing press. People have used semaphore, telegraph, Morse code, telephone, radio and, eventually, the internet.

These methods have been used to share good news and bad, the arrival of friends and enemies, and both warnings and encouragement.

Read 1 Peter 1:1–12.

This is an encyclical letter sent to various groups of Christians spread throughout various provinces, with a common message to a network of dispersed believers.

What message does it bring? Was it good news?
Who shared this with them initially? Would this letter
provide encouragement to you if you had been an
original recipient? Does it today?

When I lived in Roxby Downs in the 1990s, I would sometimes travel to Adelaide. When we were in range, I would tune the radio in the car to Life FM. It was great to hear positive messaging and Christian songs while driving around the city, and it included (if my memory serves me correctly) messages from Lutheran Hour Ministries and Lutheran Media. What a joy it was in a less-than-positive radio market to hear the good news of Jesus. As a Christian, I found this uplifting and encouraging.

Read James 1:1–5.

Here is a letter written to the 12 tribes, scattered among the nations. The writer sends greetings and encouragement to a dispersed group whose members are facing some trials in life.

Have you ever received encouragement from others?
Was this from near or afar? Are either of these more or less valid/effective? Would those receiving this have been grateful or uplifted?

When I became a pastor and was assigned to a parish in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, one of the first tasks I had was to deliver a tract that a radio listener had requested after hearing about it on the Christian radio station in Melbourne.

It was a chance to deliver the tract in person and put a human face to the connection made via the radio. This person had no connection to a faith community, but the message had reached them through the technology available to bring them some hope at a difficult time in their life.

Read Acts 17:16–43. What community is discussed in this reading? What method did Paul use to connect with those who were listening? Were they all receptive to its message?

Is the world we live in today so different to the time and place Paul found himself in at Athens all those years ago? People don’t know who God is or have never heard of Jesus! How can this be possible? It’s surprising but true. How can we, like Paul, find a touchstone to connect with where these people are?

Most people these days are connected to some form of social media. Platforms come and go, and so do the people, but for now, social spaces online are where people are sourcing their information and connections.

Read Romans 10:14,15. How can those who have not heard of Jesus call on his name? How will they hear?

We who have heard the good news are the ones who can share that same news with others. Lutheran Media is one vital source in those spaces, helping those who have not heard or seen to have access to this news and hope.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for those who have shared the good news
of Jesus with us. Help us by the power of your Holy Spirit to speak,
act and show your love to those in our network. Equip us and
others to use the means you have given us to share your love
and hope far and wide. Amen.

Rev Dr Tim Stringer is the principal of Australian Lutheran College.