Mark 1:14
There has been much confusion about what Jesus is actually teaching here. Because of the fact that his preaching is referred to as the gospel of the kingdom of God, many have interpreted this to be something different from what we would think of as the regular gospel. The fact is that the plan of God has a lot to do with the response of the people of God. Of course history would flow differently if people had, throughout that history, responded differently to God’s truth. The fact is, however, that has not happened, and people have generally been unresponsive, as the Bible has predicted.
It is because of this that we are told by some that Jesus was preaching the gospel of the kingdom. By this they mean that Jesus was saying the kingdom of God would literally, physically, come to the world at that time, if the Jews would wholeheartedly repent. Though this is true, in a sense, we need to keep in mind the fact that it had already been determined this would not happen. Scripture had already indicated and prophesied that the Jews would not respond in this way.
The best way to understand this might be to go back to the beginning of creation. Though Adam could have obeyed, he did not. God knew before Adam ever sinned that he would indeed sin. Thus, God’s offer a blessing to a perfect mankind was no less legitimate, even though he knew mankind would not remain perfect. In the same way, Jesus’ offer of the Kingdom at that time to a wholeheartedly repentant Jewish nation was no less legitimate, even though that would not be forthcoming.
As result, I feel it is always best to have unity in our view of the message of God throughout history. Rather than trying to divide God’s message up into different sections, it is better to realize that God’s message is always based on repentance, faith, and obedience to it. God knows who will respond, and how they will respond. Thus, the content of the message will always be tailored to the response of those who hear. The message of God, then, even before the time of Christ, has always been repent and believe. Obedience out of a true heart of love for God is always what he has asked for of us, and it is what he will always ask for of us. Because of this, it is not necessary to separate the gospel of the kingdom from the gospel of the cross. As we will see in the next verse, repentance and faith is what the Lord is asking for.
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 38:1-40:49
Scripture Memory: James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is so good to know that you always tell us the truth! You have never once lied. All that you have promised, you truly mean. And, you are faithful to perform every promise you have made. We could never accuse you of dishonesty, flattery, impiety, cruelty, or injustice. You love us genuinely, devotedly, and faithfully. May we reciprocate with like kind. May praise for you always be found in our mouths! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a man with several health issues. Pray for a man who is trying to decide whether to return to the mission field in spite of poor health. Pray for a woman who recently lost her husband.
Journal Entry #14340