Today’s Scripture: Mark 1:1, KJV- “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;”
The author of the book of Mark provides anticipation. What are we anticipating doing today with the gospel of Jesus?
As with many topics in the bible there is not one hundred percent agreement on who even authored this book of our bible. However, since the earliest days after Jesus’ death, most contemporary writings note the writer to be John Mark.
Believed to be Barnabas’ cousin and a helper to Peter and Paul, John Mark lived, learned, and suffered along with the apostles. John Mark was not one of the apostles, but he was sent out with his message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mentioned as an interpreter for Peter in Rome, the gospel according to Mark is said to be his written account of his experiences with the verbal ministry of Peter and Paul. Although John Mark was only a young man while Jesus was living, he traveled with those who had walked alongside Jesus Christ.
Mark is writing to compel us to walk with Jesus. You may find it interesting too to read an overview at https://www.askanadventistfriend.com/jesus/disciples/who-was-mark-the-apostle-in-the-bible/. Wherever we are today we can look on today as a new beginning.
Just as Mark 1:2 mentions that Isaiah prophesied that God promised to send His messenger ahead of Jesus who would prepare His way, you may have been sent to prepare someone’s way as well. How is that for a new beginning? If you knew you were sent to prepare the way for someone, would you feel a more intense commitment to the gospel and be driven by your purpose?
John the Baptist was faithful to his calling. Jesus finished the work for which He was sent; will we? Just as John the Baptist knew the baptism was up to the Holy Spirit, we can rest in that as well. Will we live to please God?
John the Baptist first made the way for Jesus. Jesus made the way for the twelve. The twelve made the way for all of us. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the good news of The Way. I was reminded this morning that when I was a teenager, I had a bible entitled THE WAY.
I pulled this bible out this morning and in a handwriting that eerily looked like my mother’s script there is an inscription that states: To Tommy, Jesus is the answer to all your problems. When you have questions about life, you’ll find all the answers in this book. Love, Mrs. Bailey June 1972.
Strangely, I do not recall who Mrs. Bailey was. But here we are fifty-two years later, and I am only beginning to scratch the surface of how this gospel of The Way provides all of life’s answers. Mrs. Bailey invested in me, and I am thankful she took the time to mark that time in history.
This paraphrased and yellow paged version of the Bible reflected the influences of that era. The Vietnam war was raging and hope for a God-loving generation was tenuous. However, there is one section of the introduction that still hits home.
“The longer you read (The Bible), the more you will find yourself confronting the way-God’s way. He won’t necessarily make life problem-free or rosy, but you will understand the meaning and purpose of your existence. And he is ready to create a new life in you and empower you to live it.”
This has been my experience in a nutshell. I do feel a twinge of regret that it took me fifty years to figure it out. However, driven by my experiences now, I feel the purpose of Mark and Jesus to continue to tell of who Jesus was and is, so others too understand the meaning and purpose of their existence, so they are empowered to live the life they were created to live.
If we choose The Way today, what is our next move? Let us ask Jesus, after all, it is His way.
Today’s Prayer: Almighty Heavenly Father. Thank You for your Word and Your servants who have given their lives so we may know You. Use us LORD to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Please use all our resources and breaths to praise You and help others to recognize the purpose of Your creation in them. Help us live and teach others to live the lives we were created to live. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we do pray. Amen.
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