Mark- Getting Back on the Path

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Mark- Get Back on the Path

Mark 1: 14-15 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!”

Nothing is more central the the history and theology of the Vineyard than “The gospel of the kingdom.” There is a rich history of work around this subject because it speaks so much to the core questions in scripture around identity and purpose. These two simple verses contain a universe of meaning and experience for those who want to explore the path they can set you on. The mark of a Christian is found in these verses.

1. “The good news of God.” This phrase was familiar to the first readers of Mark because the Romans sent out messengers through their kingdom to announce “the gospel of Caesar.” The phrase was an announcement that Caesar had conquered and there would be the peace of Rome. It was a political word. And Jesus pronounces the good news of God. It isn’t about conquering. It’s about the identity and purpose of every person. They knew Caesar’s kingdom had come near because it was oppressing them but what did it mean that the Kingdom of God had come near?

2. “The time has come.” The Jews were waiting for the Kingdom. It was always far off. It was someday. The idea that the time had come was unbelievable. Far fetched. Ridiculous. How could the time be now when so much is going wrong? How do you respond to that message? What is it like for you to hear Jesus say to you “the time has come” when it feels as strange now as it did then? How do you invite that truth now that the time is now?

3. “Repent and believe the good news.” This is Jesus saying, “it’s time to change your mind and turn around and trust that God’s Kingdom is already at work.” This is an invitational statement from Jesus. It’s a call to return to hope. Return to faith. Return to what you know deep down is right even if it feels out of reach. It’s an invitation to remember the big picture in the middle of our small experience because we are part of that. It’s a call to remember who’s you are and who you are. As my friend Laura says, “It’s ok, you just forgot who you are, welcome back.” It’s not about getting it right but getting back on the path. What area of your life needs to hear this right now? What part needs to get back on the path? Where do you need your hope renewed?