One single verse really inspired me today! We began Mark today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. The very first verse of the very first chapter is the subject of THIS blog!
The beginning [of the facts] of the good news (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The word that caught my attention "beginning"! Mark was starting at the very beginning of JESUS' ministry, and his account of it. The beginning of something is the very start of it. The very first steps. Mark was recounting these steps all the through to the time that JESUS' said this in verses 15-18:
15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]. 16 He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. 17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. AMP
JESUS gave these instructions to His disciples and then did this, in verse 19:
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. AMP
JESUS, the Head of the Body of Christ, the Church, returned to Heaven, but that was NOT the end of HIStory! When the disciples heeded and obeyed the instructions JESUS had given to them, then HE did this. Verse 20:
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it). AMP
What really spoke to me today is this: There was a definite beginning to the earthly ministry of JESUS of Nazareth, but there has NOT YET been an ending! WE are still to be obeying Mark 16:15-18, so that HE can continue to do Mark 20! Study the Word of God. Get to really know HIM. Spend time in His presence. Then GO and DO! Not 'religious' things and works things, but GOD things! Speak the WORD! Preach the Gospel. Be led by Holy Spirit peace and joy and give JESUS something to CONFIRM with signs, wonders and miracles! HE works today in answer to us speaking HIS Word! Let's GO! Whatever are any of us waiting for? GO! Here is Hillsong UNITED again with that oh so appropriate song: "Go":
Shalom in Him!
