Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:14-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
Verse 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
Devotion
Mark tells us that the bad news of John the Baptist -- silence and being cast into prison -- was followed by good news. A new and greater prophet, by the name of Jesus, was proclaiming that God was already building a Kingdom which no ruler could ever defeat.
Our situation today is similar to that of the Galileans. We are being bombarded with disheartening news -- threats of war and acts of terrorism, rising unemployment, mass starvation in Africa, disabling illnesses. Into this scene Jesus declares, “The Kingdom is underway!” It isn’t completed, but it will never be defeated. God in His love for us sent Jesus to suffer and die on the cross. He died the death we deserve, so that by faith in Him we might have the life He deserves. To believe this is to be in the Kingdom. That’s Good News!
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for sending Jesus who makes it possible for us to be members of your Kingdom. Help us to share this Good News with everyone.