Time's Up
God's perfect plan unfolds
Dear friends,
We study one verse a week
I hope you will follow along in my group called Growing through God’s Word, on Facebook. That’s where the discussion will take place. Please make sure you answer all three questions in order to join.
You will find our new verse at the end of this post. And if you wish to subscribe sign in below.
What have I learned from the scripture this week?
S- Say and write the scripture (use different versions)
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (NIV)
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” (The Message)
And saying, The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled (completed), and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to) the good news (the Gospel).
His message was this: “At last the fulfillment of the age has come! It is time for God’s kingdom to be experienced in its fullness! Turn your lives back to God and put your trust in the hope-filled gospel!” (TPT)
The word “time” seems very important. This period of time where Jesus walked the earth is a big transition point in the lives of men.
I - Interpretation (use footnotes, commentaries and references)
Mark writes a very concise gospel. He focuses on the deeds of Jesus so there is less talk and more action. And short. This gospel was written for the Roman mind. It is the most translated book of the Bible.
I looked at the previous verses. It tells the story of John the Baptist as he came out of the wilderness to preach the Good News of the coming of Jesus.
Then Jesus is sent into the wilderness and after that arrives before John to be baptized.
There seems to be discrepancy between Mark and the other gospels over the timeline of the calling of the disciples. But I think that’s just Mark telling the highpoints.
There has been foretelling of the coming of Jesus. Daniel 2:44 says:
In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. (NIV)
So in this section of Mark we see:
The plan of God. The Messiah has arrived. The ancient prophecy is complete.
The King is physically present. Jesus, God in the flesh, has come into the world.
We are asked to turn around - change our minds.
We are asked to believe in the Gospel message.
M - Make a list of your thoughts or draw a picture
This week I learned about the Peshitta, an ancient Aramaic translation of the Bible, written in a language closely related to the one Jesus spoke.
Here is the Peshitta translation of Mark 1:15.
And he said, “Time is coming to an end. The Kingdom of God has arrived. Repent and believe in The Good News.” (PAR)
It’s very clear. This transition in the New Testament is the fulfillment of God’s plan. Jesus arrived to bring the Kingdom of God to earth.
I looked at the Lord’s prayer again as we had a message on that on Sunday.
In Mark 1:5, Jesus says - The Kingdom of God has arrived.
Jesus says in the Lord’s prayer - Thy Kingdom come.
Mmm. How do we look at those? I read that it’s the “already but not yet.”
So the Kingdom of God is here - but not fully. The Kingdom is continuing to come.
Thinking of D-Day and VE Day.
This paradox is like the period between D-Day and VE Day in World War II, the decisive victory had begun, but the final victory was still ahead. On D-Day we could see the end of the war. We were waiting for VE day to come. It did come.
P - Pray and Listen (Record what you hear, ask questions)
Me: So, God - we are in waiting for the VE day. There is still a battle being waged so we need to keep praying “Thy Kingdom come.” And “On earth as it is in heaven.”
God: Pray for the world to see the Light of Jesus. In all your actions be Jesus.
Me: I guess that’s the old WWJD (what would Jesus do). I can see that happening at our church. We are becoming an official affirming church on Sunday. This means we accept all people. We are open.
As I thought about welcoming others, I came up with an acronym for OPEN.
OPEN
O - opportunities for the
P - public to
E - experience
N - non-judgment
I’m excited, Lord.
God: Teach love, acceptance, healing. Trust me to guide you.
E - Exit with a prayer
Gracious God, Your timing is perfect. Your planning is perfect. We thank You for Holy Spirit inspiration and God incidents and signs. I’m amazed to see the world through Your eyes. May we approach everyone with Your grace and love. Help us to leave all judgment to You. Open our hearts and minds to Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
So the Kingdom of God is here - but not fully.
The Kingdom is continuing to come.
Takeaways:
God’s plan is unfolding exactly as promised.
Jesus’ arrival fulfilled centuries of prophecy and showed that God’s timing is perfect.The Kingdom of God is both present and coming.
Jesus announced that God’s Kingdom had arrived, yet we continue to pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” because its fullness is still ahead.Following Jesus requires both repentance and faith.
We are called to turn from our old ways, change our thinking, and trust the Good News of Jesus Christ.
I would love to hear from you,
Jan
Next Week
Follow along with us as we read a verse or two each week. Discuss. Listen. Pray.
Starting next Monday, we will be on Week 25.
Luke 2:10-12
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
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