The Beginning of the Gospel
Preaching Christ. John’s ministry is focused on Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Paul too, preached Christ, not himself (2 Corinthians 4:5). We should do the same -- always point to Jesus Christ, never to ourselves. He is the Superior One! We preach Christ and direct people’s eyes on Jesus- on who He is, what He has done and will do.
The Message of Repentance. John preached a message of repentance (see also Acts 13:24). The gospel message includes the call to repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19, 26:20). Even the apostles preached on it. We savor the sweetness of God's grace when we realized that we are sinners whose sins were the reasons why Jesus was nailed on the cross and shed blood. For why would we need a Savior if we do not acknowledge being sinners?
Living that Resembles the Lord. John lived in frugality (verse 6). Paul too (I Cor 4:11-12). But never poorer that Jesus (Luke 9:58). Their lives were of their least concern. They’re devoted on the message they proclaim and the person they make known. All for Him.
The same willingness is expected of us Christians of today as we prepare for the second coming of Christ. A life lived for Jesus and His message. Jesus, the Son whom the Father loves and is well pleased will soon come again and will tell those on his right – them whom He has chosen and adopted as sons according to His pleasure – “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world, “ NIV.
Thank You for the gospel, O Lord God. Thank You for the privilege of being called as Your child, as Your servant. Give me Lord a repentant heart and that I may always recognize my sins and confess them before You. Thank You for the assurance of forgiveness as well as of salvation that with confidence I can look forward for the coming again of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my Savior and Lord, Amen.
"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
ReplyDeleteThat statement is pregnant with meaning. Whether the gospel belongs or about Jesus Christ -- what matters is the gospel belongs or about "the Son of God."
The news or message is good or it brings joy for it refers to God. It's not just about any man or the message of a man.
God Himself came to seek and save His people -- to bring them into light from darkness; setting them free from the slavery of wallowing in the pleasure of sin and enabling them to find exceeding joy in the Son!
Indeed, the heart of God's people should explode with gratitude and joy!