Mark 1:14-15

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’’ vss. 14-15

Many believed that John the Baptist was a prophet sent from God and perhaps even the messiah. He had an enormous following and when he openly criticized King Herod’s illicit marriage, he was arrested and thrown into prison. Doubtless his followers throughout Judea and Galilee were traumatized–some likely spoke of rebellion. Yet according to Mark, at that very moment Jesus came into Galilee from Judea, proclaiming the good news of God. Think of it! There was a political crisis and Jesus preached the gospel of God! He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near.” We live in a time of deep political division and the accompanying passions can easily destroy relationships and wreak havoc in our congregations. Perhaps this is a time to follow Jesus’ example and focus on the good news of God. We won’t be able to put aside our strong feelings about candidates and policies. That’s not how we’re wired. But we can know that the kingdom of God lies neither to the right nor to the left, but in the good news of Jesus Christ. Our Lenten journey calls us to repent and return to the Lord, and now is a good time to start. 

Thought for the Day: What is the good news of God?