As you look at today's headlines, sometimes it seems like the only news out there is bad news. Couple that with our own personal challenges and it’s easy to adopt a negative view of life. But if you’re craving a glimmer of good news, then look no further than the Gospel of Mark.
Mark opens with the incredibly upbeat declaration, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) Mark is the first biblical writer to actually use the term “Gospel” — a word that simply means “good news.” From Mark’s perspective, good news begins with Jesus. It’s like a brilliant ray of sunshine busting through the clouds on a dreary day.
But what exactly is the “good news” that Jesus brings? According to Mark, “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:15)
There are two common Greek words for time, chronos and kairos. Chronos refers to the natural progression of time, whereas kairos refers to a supernatural moment in time. Jesus uses the word “kairos” showing us that the good news begins with a divine opportunity, an invitation really, to experience something truly extraordinary – God’s kingdom!
The kingdom of God refers to the reign and rule of God evident in the lives of those who have a personal relationship with Him. In God’s kingdom, love, righteousness, peace, justice, and joy prevail and everyone who rejects the world’s authority in favor of God’s sovereignty will experience the abundant life Jesus promised.
So here is the good news – God is giving you a divine opportunity to come under His sovereign care and control where His goodness and righteousness reign, triumphing over evil and wickedness. To experience this amazing gift, simply believe in God’s goodness and turn away from evil, surrendering to His loving control over your life.
Let's embrace the good news by clinging tightly to God’s loving rule over our lives!
Mark opens with the incredibly upbeat declaration, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) Mark is the first biblical writer to actually use the term “Gospel” — a word that simply means “good news.” From Mark’s perspective, good news begins with Jesus. It’s like a brilliant ray of sunshine busting through the clouds on a dreary day.
But what exactly is the “good news” that Jesus brings? According to Mark, “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:15)
There are two common Greek words for time, chronos and kairos. Chronos refers to the natural progression of time, whereas kairos refers to a supernatural moment in time. Jesus uses the word “kairos” showing us that the good news begins with a divine opportunity, an invitation really, to experience something truly extraordinary – God’s kingdom!
The kingdom of God refers to the reign and rule of God evident in the lives of those who have a personal relationship with Him. In God’s kingdom, love, righteousness, peace, justice, and joy prevail and everyone who rejects the world’s authority in favor of God’s sovereignty will experience the abundant life Jesus promised.
So here is the good news – God is giving you a divine opportunity to come under His sovereign care and control where His goodness and righteousness reign, triumphing over evil and wickedness. To experience this amazing gift, simply believe in God’s goodness and turn away from evil, surrendering to His loving control over your life.
Let's embrace the good news by clinging tightly to God’s loving rule over our lives!
Posted in devo