Leslie Newbigin, a longtime missionary to India, tells the story of his visit to a village in the Madras diocese. The village had prepared music, fireworks, garlands, fruit, and dancing to welcome him. The congregation had presumed that he would come by the southern route, but Newbigin entered the village from the north. When the congregation found out, they quickly ran to welcome him. What a beautiful picture of what Jesus instructed people to do as He began His public ministry.
Jesus began ministering by preaching the good news from God. He told His listeners that God loved humanity, had come near, and that His long-awaited rule was at hand. His people could experience this loving and compassionate rule in their lives through Jesus, God’s Messiah.
Although God’s salvation had arrived, many people were looking the wrong way and expecting the wrong thing (salvation from Roman oppression). Thus, the arrival of God’s salvation required a unique response: turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Jesus (faith): “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15).
We have the good news! God’s salvation has arrived, and it has come in the person of Jesus. The reign of God has drawn near, but people will miss it if we don’t present it. It all begins with the Holy Spirit causing a mental revolution (Romans 12:1-2), a transformation of thinking. It continues with the expression of genuine, Holy Spirit-led sorrow for sin, confession of sin, and forsaking of specific sins. Let’s continue helping people turn from the wrong way (sin), so they won’t miss the right Person—Jesus.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 21:15-25
More:
Read Acts 3:19, Acts 5:31, and Acts 11:18. What do these passages reveal about repentance?
Next:
Who do you know who is leaning and looking in the wrong direction in life? What steps can you take this week to turn that person from the wrong direction so he/she doesn’t miss the right Person (Jesus)?
Gary Shultz on October 2, 2015 at 6:31 am
Today I think many people are still looking for the saving and liberation of the body, the temporal, when God always wanted to go deeper, the soul, the mind, the body will follow. I guess the thinking is, we live in a body the longer we keep it propped up the longer we are free from the inevitable. God’s gift is the U turn, with 180* different approach, the step of faith. May we be used to help people into life’s U turn, Jesus. Thanks
Tom Felten on October 2, 2015 at 9:32 am
Marvin, your emphasis on living out the Spirit-filled life is so helpful. At times, much like Gary wrote above, we take our eyes off of God and fail to realize the need to daily submit to the Holy Spirit and His work in and through us.
Adriel L. on October 2, 2015 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for sharing, Marvin.
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 10:20 am
Also – What a good reminder of how Jesus often comes in ways and at places that we don’t expect