Thinking Through Mark - Prepare the Way (1:2-3)

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

    who will prepare your way,

the voice of one crying in the wilderness:

    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

    make his paths straight,’”

                                            Mark 1:2-3 ESV

Inauguration day took place earlier this week. President Trump's reign came to an end and he was replaced by now-President Biden. On that day, White House staff was quite busy. The Biden family's moving trucks were not permitted to begin unloading until after Biden took the oath of office, which means that the staff had mere hours to make the White House feel (somewhat) like home for the new residents (take a look at this article). Preparations must be made for leaders. 

The Son of God, God-in-the-flesh, was in the world. And God wanted His people to be ready for Him. So He appointed a man, John the Baptist, to prepare them. 

I find myself reflecting on the idea that this same Jesus will be returning to the earth one day. He who arrived two thousand years ago will come again. And I can't help but think that each one of us can play a role in preparing the world for His return. How are we using our gifts and abilities, our relationships, our opportunities (and more) to prepare people for Jesus' return? 

Thinking Through Mark - Good News (1:1)

There are various levels of good news. First of all, there is the good news which announces some of our daily brushes with happiness. For instance, hearing that our most loved supper is being prepared, receiving a good grade or a "well done" on a homework assignment or being told that it is time to watch a compelling television program are examples of such. 

There are seasonal or less frequent tastes of good news, which elicit (perhaps) a greater joy. We might exclaim, "Well, that is good news" when we hear that our favourite singer is scheduled to perform in our city. Or when the local grocery store is restocked with a holiday candy which adds to the joy of Christmastime. 

Taking another step, we encounter the infrequent type of good news. News of events so rare and precious that they fill our hearts to bursting with happiness. "I'm pregnant." "You've been accepted to such-and-such a program of study." "The job is yours." "I do." 

The Gospel of Mark begins with these words: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (1:1). As you probably know, the word translated "gospel" can be translated "good news". The Reformation Study Bible explains that the Greeks used this term "for events such as the birth of an emperor or a major military victory." Rare events indeed. 

As Christians, we rejoice at the good news that God sent His Son into the world. That He would die for us to pay for our sins. May God fill our hearts to bursting with joy today as we reflect on this good news. The best good news of all.