TIME’S UP!
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Opening Prayer
Jesus, help me to see you in new ways today; deepen my understanding of your commitment to save the lost and give me greater ability to share who you are with others.
Read MARK 1:9—20
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Mark
Mark 1
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert,
13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.
20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Reflect
Consider what is making it difficult to follow Jesus into the year ahead. Is anything cluttering your life and cramping your movement? Are you seeing yourself rightfully, as God sees you?Just as Jesus is baptized, there is a moment of revelation (vv. 10, 11). It changes his whole life in an instant. His world and ours will never be the same again. He is then led into a hostile environment (vv. 12, 13). Typically, Mark leaves us breathless as 40 days are condensed into a few mysterious phrases that will show Jesus strengthened and equipped for the rest of his ministry. ‘The time has come’ (v. 15).
Jesus will rarely be alone again (except for his early morning prayer times and a desperate night in Gethsemane). His priority is to build a team that will change the world, so he goes to the center of power and chooses the brightest and best—not. His strength will be made perfect in our weakness. The dream team starts with humble fishermen on the edge of a rural lake. Their qualification is obedience, not cleverness or strength. It is the same for us today.
Apply
Like those first disciples, how is Jesus calling you to follow him today? In a moment of silence and honesty, talk to your Father about where he’s placed you, who you are connected to, and how you can reflect his love into your world.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I not only want to follow you, but I also want to do whatever you call me to do. Please show me where I can serve you and introduce you to others.
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