Day 55: Now Is the Time

Mark 1:14-15

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,  and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Comments

The story of Jesus doesn't really begin at Christmas with his miraculous birth because that is essentially a preview of what was to come. The story of his life, ministry, death and resurrection covers only a three year period that began when Jesus was 30 years of age.

After Jesus was baptized by John and tempted by Satan, he began to proclaim that the long-awaited kingdom of God was finally at hand. Because this kingdom did not begin with the overthrow of Rome as the people expected, they would have to do two things to experience what God was offering them: repent and believe.

Reflections

Many people wrongly imagine that repentance essentially consists of feeling sorry for our sins. The biblical understanding of repentance is quite different because it involves a change of mind, a change of direction. Repentance means turning from whatever we have been doing to begin going in the direction God is calling. Are you already moving in the direction God is calling you or is there a need for "repenting" in your life?

Many people also wrongly imagine that believing has to do with what we think about something. The biblical understanding of belief or faith is much more connected to obedience. Jesus said the one who "hears my words and puts them into practice" is the one whose house is built on solid rock. Are you living by faith, letting what you believe shape the way you live your life? If not, what changes would need to be made for you to do so?

Prayer

Give me the courage and wisdom I will need, Lord, to not just hear what you say, but to do what you ask.