Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Explanation:
This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. After John the Baptist was imprisoned, Jesus began His own proclamation that the kingdom has come near. Can you imagine? The Messianic prophecies were fulfilled after four hundred years of silence from God. Jesus was live and in-person! The Seed of Abraham and Son of David had finally come to gather His lost sheep. The kingdom of God was at hand, and this was the theme of Jesus’ ministry. He spoke about the kingdom of God more than any other subject, over one hundred times.
Israel was called to repent once more and have a change of heart, mind, and attitude. As Pastor Matthew has been telling us, repentance is not simply confessing our sins. It’s a transformation in thinking. We must change our minds to change our behaviors and turn from sin. Jesus Christ must be the object of our faith. Jesus is the only way to reconcile with God. Righteousness brings us closer to God. Believing and repenting go hand in hand. It’s impossible to truly believe in salvation through Christ and not turn from our sins. We must repent and believe. Yes, we can go to heaven after we die, but we can live under God’s reign and protection right now. When we seek Him and bow before Him, we are living for His purpose and glory. Christianity is a lifelong process of conversion and building godly character. The first step is repentance. Believing in the gospel involves unlearning false teachings and opening our eyes to Christ’s true gospel. Change is difficult, but it is absolutely possible with God’s help through the Holy Spirit.
I recently read an article about Reverend John Harper, a victim of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. He was reportedly observed swimming frantically to other victims, leading them to Christ before they were surely to die. Rev. Harper’s last words before succumbing to hypothermia and slipping under the frigid waves were, “Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!” Like John the Baptist, he believed in the good news and proclaimed the gospel right up until the end. What faith!
Application:
Review your schedule this week through the lens of the gospel – events, relationships, appointments, etc. Think of them as opportunities to share what God has done in your life.
Take daily inventory of your heart and faith this week. Make a wholehearted, comprehensive decision to be satisfied with Jesus in all things. Journal your thoughts and how the gospel relates to your life.
Devo Plus:
Overview: Mark - Bing video
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, remind us of the importance of the gospel in our everyday lives. We praise You for who You are, and we find comfort in Your greatness. Help us see every challenge as an opportunity to depend on You. We pray for opportunities to show others a gospel driven life. Help us be humble and kind in our actions and words so that our behaviors will also glorify You. Thank You for Your grace. Remind us to look around our worlds and find the blessings amongst the angst, and turn to You for comfort. The time has come. Your will be done. Amen.