Lutheran Seminary's God Pause "Moved by the Promise" Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 22 January 2015 - Scripture: Mark 1: Jesus Begins His Work14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee and told the good news that comes from God.[a] 15 He said, “The time has come! God’s kingdom will soon be here.[b] Turn back to God and believe the good news!”
Jesus Chooses Four Fishermen
16 As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen and were casting their nets into the lake. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” 18 Right then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him.
19 Jesus walked on and soon saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat, mending their nets. 20 At once Jesus asked them to come with him. They left their father in the boat with the hired workers and went with him.[Footnotes:
1.14 that comes from God: Or “that is about God.”
1.15 will soon be here: Or “is already here.”](Contemporary English Bible)
If I was in Galilee to hear Jesus' proclamation, "the kingdom of God has come near," would I have comprehended his message's full meaning? I doubt I would have understood the supreme significance of what was happening in that kairos time. Do you think you would have understood?
Jesus told his listeners God's long-awaited reign and kingdom were immediately and actively in their midst. With Jesus' birth, the kingdom came for all people. It grew as he fulfilled prophesies of bringing "good news to the poor," "release to the captives," "recovery of sight to the blind" and "freedom to the oppressed" (Luke 4:18).
Of far greater concern than whether I might have understood Jesus' proclamation in Galilee is whether I fully comprehend that I am actually part of God's kingdom today. Do I recognize my call to serve immediately in God's kingdom? How is God calling you? This is exciting!
God of all times, Hallelujah! We rejoice in your exciting kairos times that break into our daily lives. Forgive us when we fail to recognize your call. Thank you for including us in your kingdom's loving work with all people. Together with Christians everywhere, open our ears, soften our hearts and strengthen our hands to serve you. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark
Redeemer's Ministry Team
& Adjunct Instructor, Social Work, Augsburg College
Minneapolis, Minn.
Master of Arts in Theology/Master of Social Work , 2007
Mark 1:14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.
17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people."
18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets.
20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.(New Revised Standard Version)
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