The power of proclamation
After John was put in prison, 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!’
Mark 1:14-15 (NIVUK)
In our modern world we are so used to being bombarded with information that it can at times be overwhelming as well as confusing. We learn about events seconds after they happen, even if the news comes from the other side of the world. Who do we believe when there is conflicting information? We must consider, for example, whether our sources are reliable and trustworthy; is there bias in how the facts are presented, and whether we are being manipulated into believing untruths.
Back in Jesus’s day it was quite different. News was mostly spread by word of mouth, and it took a long time. However, people still had to check the source of the news to find out if it was trustworthy. Official news from rulers and government was proclaimed by heralds. In this way the ordinary everyday person could trust the source.
Mark used the Greek word kerusso meaning ‘to herald (as a public crier), to preach, to proclaim’ when he describes what Jesus was doing, in order to convey the same formality and authority that a herald had. Jesus was acting in an official capacity, just like a herald, to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God. Jesus wasn’t just saying, or suggesting, instead he confidently proclaimed his message with power and authority. God’s kingly reign and rule was breaking into the normal everyday life of those present through the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth.
And what should people do as a result of this unexpected proclamation? Two things: ‘… Repent and believe the good news!’ (Mark 1:15). It was time for everyone to stop living the way they had, to turn their lives around, to obey and follow Jesus.
His message is as relevant for us today as it was for those living in Galilee at that time. Jesus breaks into our ordinary, everyday life at unexpected moments with his gift of salvation, and asks us to believe, repent, and follow him. He is calling us to a life of continued obedience as we follow him.
There was, and continues to be a sense of urgency in Christ’s message which is evidenced by how quickly his first four followers, Simon, Andrew, James and John responded. They left their nets and immediately followed him. We are called to do the same, each and every day. Why delay? What is stopping you? Yield to the power of Christ’s proclamation today.
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, Jesus proclaimed the good news of the arrival of your kingdom here on earth. Let us heed his message and believe in him. As we live each day, we ask that the Holy Spirit prompt us to obey and follow Jesus, setting aside all distractions. We pray that he would be the focus of our lives and that we would become more and more like him. In his name we pray, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
Jackie Mill is a minister in Grace Communion International and Co-Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Central Glasgow
Garnethill Room
Conference Suite
St Andrews West
260 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4JP
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:15 am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church