Three Cheers for Jesus!

By Edd Sterchi     We often give a hearty “Hip, Hip, Hooray” to one we wish to celebrate or honor. I think we don’t celebrate Jesus enough in our memories, words, and lives. Jesus came to make our lives blessed, joyous, and fruitful (cf. John 10:10). There are several instances in the Scriptures where Jesus said “Be of good cheer.” These are well worthy of our study. So let’s look at three cheers from Jesus and give three cheers for Jesus!     The Cheer of Pardon - In the city of Capernaum, Jesus healed a paralytic. As a bonus to the physical healing, Jesus gave him a spiritual healing saying, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you” (Matt. 9:2). How happy he must have been. How happy are you that Jesus has cleansed your sins? Do you thank Him for it, praise Him for it, love Him for it? Without Him, we are lost in our sins. With Him, we are forgiven, pardoned, and cleansed. Be of good cheer, our sins are forgiven! Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jesus!     The Cheer of Comfort - Once, the apostles were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee trying to cross to the other side. But the waves were rough, and the wind was contrary. All of the sudden, they saw a figure walking on the water toward them. They cried out in fear. But it was Jesus, and He said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27). How comforting it must have been for them, knowing that Jesus was now near. Does the knowledge of Jesus in your life bring you comfort? We should live in peace knowing that we can go to Him with any trouble, trial, or turmoil of life, and He will give us aid. Be of good cheer, Jesus will never leave us. Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jesus!     The Cheer of Victory - Shortly before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus had gathered His disciples together and was giving them instructions. Part of His words to them were, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus then went on to overcome death, and in doing so gives us the victory, as well. How ought we to live knowing that death will not have its power over us? We ought to live our lives in confidence, in hope, in praise, in joy! We ought to serve Him with gladness, worship Him exuberantly, and tell the world how He saves. Be of good cheer, Jesus has given eternal life. Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jesus!

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/