Good morning!
Text: Mark 1-3; Psalm 17
Mark’s Gospel is very concentrated – not a lot of details and a very fast pace. Notice how often he uses the word “immediately.” I have a “red letter” Bible, one with the words of Jesus printed in red. The first time red print – Jesus’ words – are reported by Mark they are a simple yet complete message of what it takes to be saved.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Jesus is saying, “Today is the day (your day), I, the King am presenting myself to you this day, so you must turn from your sins and believe this great news.” This is indeed our message.
When it comes to delivering this message, I think the sticky part for most of us is the “repent” part. It means that the gospel message includes a great big helping of bad news that must be told in order to get to the good news. People do not want to hear that they are sinners. I don’t like to be told I am wrong. I don’t want to tell people that they are wrong. But it is an essential part of the good news. Why would I welcome a man at my door with an axe in his hand if I did not know my house was on fire?
in Him, Mike