Today, let’s reflect on the profound message in Mark 1:14-20, where Jesus calls us to turn away from despair and actively participate in the Gospel’s transformative power.
Daily Devotional for January 21
“Jesus said, ‘The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'” (full text at Mark 1:14-20)
Overcoming Despair with Hope and Action
It is so easy to despair and lose heart when there is darkness. It’s so easy to give up and give in to fate. It is so easy to become a cynic and, at worst, to support an unjust system through passivity or even actively.
But Jesus’ calling to repent and believe in the good news is a beacon of hope and a call to action.
Breaking Free from Passivity
By asking people to repent and believe in the good news, Jesus tells them: Don’t get used to the circumstances! Don’t take everything so quickly! Don’t let yourself be pushed into the role of victim! Don’t lose heart, don’t lose hope!
Instead of accepting unjust circumstances or playing the role of a victim, we are called to change our mindset and attitude.
A Call to Repentance
Repentance means more than just feeling sorry. No, repent, or in other words, turn back. Change your mind, have a change of heart, change your attitude.
Believing in the Good News
And much more: believe in the gospel, the good news, the good news. Believe that there is hope, that there is the possibility of change, that it is God’s will, that suffering and injustice will end.
Believe that God calls you to participate actively in the changing circumstances and that you are the ones through whom the Kingdom of God can be experienced. Believe that you are a light in the darkness.
Participation in God’s Mission
The good news calls us to be active participants in God’s mission. We’re not just bystanders but are called to be lights in the darkness, bringing hope and change.
Community and the Body of Christ
Jesus’ invitation to the fishermen to become fishers of men signifies a call to community. Being part of the living, breathing, acting Body of Christ means we collectively bring the kingdom of God closer.
Bringing the good news is not just one person’s job, even if that person is God. This is a task that must be tackled together, a task that must be shared.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, I hear Your call to repent and believe in the good news. Help me to turn away from despair and cynicism, to change my heart and mind, and to embrace the hope found in Your gospel. Empower me to actively participate in Your mission, to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and transformation to the world. Guide me to foster community, to be part of Your Body, and to share the good news with those around me. Thank You for the promise of Your kingdom, for the hope and new life it brings. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
To You
Consider how you can be a light in today’s world. In what ways can you actively participate in spreading the good news and bringing hope to those in despair?
As you go through this day, remember that you are called to be an agent of change, a bearer of hope. Let the good news of the Gospel guide your actions and interactions, and be a part of the movement that brings the kingdom of God near. Amen.
