April 4 Day 26
Mark 1:14-15
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
REFLECTION
The ministry of John the Baptist and the incarnation of Jesus are like a one-two punch in the history of God’s people. John offers a baptism symbolizing a turn from sin and towards God and his kingdom; Jesus offers the repentant new life as subjects in that kingdom. The Baptizer requires a negation – stop sinning! The Savior offers salvation – forgiveness for the sin that still exists based on God’s faithful promises to Jesus’ disciples.
Any person can “know” about God and “hear” the good news of salvation. This changes nothing about their eternal souls. New life from above granted by God’s grace only and comes when our repentance effectively ends our old sin life, and we begin trusting in God alone for our daily bread and eternal peace. The elect commit to new life in the kingdom of God subject to the rule of Jesus Christ and made fruitful by the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Lord, we know in our heart that your kingdom is very, very near. The path to its narrow gate is hard and it is against our nature to turn from the broad highway of human sin and follow you alone. We repent! – begging you to remove our bondage to sin and replace it with your yoke. Lead us out of this world and into your kingdom, according to your will. AMEN
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