Happy New Year! We have beginnings of games, races, the day, month, and year. The book of Mark, in the Bible, begins with “this is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.” Mark illustrates it by prophecy and the appearing of John the Baptist. Jesus comes, is baptized, then tempted. Jesus’ opening words are: “The time has come, the kingdom of God is near, repent and believe the good news.” (NIV) In the fullness of time Jesus came, made a little lower than the angels he humbled himself and in the appearance of sinful man, became a servant, and died for our sins. This is good news.
The prophets of old foretold of these events. Isaiah says that a messenger was to “prepare the way for the LORD,” 40:3. John the Baptist was that messenger.
Jesus came. His inaugural ball was his baptism. People saw it, John performed it, Jesus submitted to it, and God the Father approved of it. Jesus’ baptism was an act of submission, a foreshadowing of his death, burial, and resurrection and an act of obedience to fulfill all righteousness. His baptism was for those who were not baptized before him and for those who couldn’t get baptized after him, like the thief on the cross. Baptism isn’t about getting dunked, but about submitting to God and dying to our sinful ways. It is about forgiveness, receiving the Spirit, and acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
Jesus’ baptism was his announcement that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ journey as a man, prophet, priest, king, and Savior was beginning.
Jesus went into the wilderness and was tempted by the devil. Jesus’ desires, devotion, and dutifulness were tested. His authority, obedience, and stick-to-itiveness were challenged, yet Jesus overcame. Hebrews 2:10 says that the author of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. His suffering extended through the cross. Jesus said the “time has come.” The good news is our salvation, our cleansing, God’s mercy is on us through faith in Jesus. God’s good news is founded in Himself, his character of love, his forgiveness, patience, and kindness etc. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is good news. When received, we are free and reconciled unto God through our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord who died for our sins. Accepting this message changes your eternity. Make your year new eternally good by believing the good news of Jesus Christ. Now is the time.
Happy New Year and God’s blessings be unto you.
— Doug Baty, Westside Christian Church
