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
The message of Jesus and of his church is both profound and simple. Well-known doctrines of our faith – the Trinity, the two natures of Christ, eternal life, free will, predestination, resurrection, miracles – challenge our intellect and defy our capacity to understand.
Yet the message we are to broadcast is so simple it can be spoken to a child: "Repent and believe the gospel." It was Jesus' theme as He began His ministry. It was the apostles' focus as they brought the good news to their world.
This simple message with its profound meaning allowed Paul to say, "I did not come to you with the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom … but we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God."
Prayer
Father God, you are great beyond our ability to comprehend. But give us faith in the clear and simple truth that your Son Jesus Christ has come among us to bring his light into a sinful and darkened world. Amen.