Daily Devotionals

A Time for Change: Monday

"The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near!" Mark 1:15

Imagine how the people of Israel felt, waiting hundreds of years for the coming Messiah. They knew God's promises in Scripture that God's kingdom would come, and for centuries they were waiting for Him. Then, after centuries, Jesus came onto the scene. Some believed Him, others doubted. But, regardless of how people responded to Jesus, one thing is certain: When Jesus came, He changed everything. 

When Jesus came, He announced that a new era had come. John the Baptist was arrested for speaking the truth in God's name shortly after his earthly ministry began. After John's arrest, Jesus went to Galilee to preach and teach. As He taught that day, He announced, "The time promised by God had come at last!... The Kingdom of God is near" (verse 15). This statement was groundbreaking.

At last, the time they had been longing for and hoping for had come. Finally, the long-awaited Messiah was walking with them, talking to and teaching them. Everything had changed because of Jesus. He had come to usher in God's kingdom and to save the world from sin and death. Everything had changed, and it was all because of Jesus. 

Even today, we can be sure that Jesus changed everything. When He came, He conquered sin and death. He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. Praise God for Jesus and the difference He makes in our lives!

Moving toward action

Take a few moments to think about how Jesus changed your own life. How did He interrupt life as you knew it and change everything? Then, reflect on His power and impact in your life and journal about the difference He has made in your life. When you finish reflecting, thank Him for what He has done for you.

Going Deeper

 Mark 1:1-15 (NLT)

"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

"Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming!
Clear the road for him!'"

4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 John announced: "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am-so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!"

9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy."

12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.

14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God's Good News. 15 "The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!"