The Kingdom Comes

Mark 1:14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” 
 
HERE’s another view of the end of John’s ministry and the focus turning fully to Jesus.
   Sometimes the Good News doesn’t seem so good when it causes division in families, disruption in our personal lives and even death to the faithful. But, of course, the Good News is truly good because it points us to eternal life. The Good News is God’s News to reveal we can be with God when we leave our life on earth. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25) The Good News is, “You belong to God forever!”
   As we have seen, John’s imprisonment caused him to doubt the Good News. But Jesus reassured him with evidence of his Kingdom work. He knew John was faithful to his role in the Father’s salvation plan. John’s future, then, is a heavenly future. Leaving the earth at a young age is a blessing when eternal reward awaits God’s chosen servants. John’s work was done because “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Jesus would testify of his own desire to return to heaven: And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (John 17:5)
   Eventually as they witnessed Jesus’ resurrected and ascended body, all of Jesus’ faithful disciples knew eternal life was theirs’s in Jesus’ power. Mark, too, and other gospel writers could confidently proclaim “Good News” because they knew the truth. When they knew such truth in their heart, no force on earth could stop their testimony, “Jesus Save!”
   There can be many occasions when we do not like what the Good News requires us to do, even to suffer. But when you understand your life is eternal in the Kingdom of God because the Triune God has chosen you unto life, you will be eager to serve him in your time and place.