“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.

I loved this from Dallas Willard in You Are the Beloved: “Increasing Understanding…The New Testament is the story of increasing understanding of who Jesus was. Those among whom He was reared said, “This is Mary and Joseph’s boy.” His own disciples thought He might be Elijah or one of the old prophets risen from the dead. As Jesus quizzed the disciples on His identity, Peter announced in a flash of divine revelation, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 NRSV). Only in the later parts of the New Testament does the concept emerge of Jesus as a cosmic Messiah: a ruler spanning all geographical and ethnic differences, providing the glue of the universe (Colossians 1:17) and upholding all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). Thus He is, as described in the book of Revelation, the Alpha and Omega, the Faithful and True, the Word of God who leads the armies of heaven, the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Reflect: Consider how the true identity of Christ is unfolding in your life: logical and insightful teacher; redeemer of the world; powerful member of the community of the Trinity; cocreator and sustainer of the universe.“

And in our chapter, Mark 1, we enter the second Gospel account. It was written between A.D. 55 and 65 (just 5 years before the destruction of Jerusalem) to Christians living in Rome. The notes below said it was probably the first Gospel account written, and that it records more miracles than any other Gospel. John Mark, the writer, was not one of the original disciples and it has been 25 years since Jesus, the Son, lived among men. The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way (Malachi 3:10), A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” (Isaiah 40:3). And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you in water, but He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” v. 1-8. You can feel the excitement building after 400 years of silence from prophets sent by Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. Now a messenger is sent. And now the wait is over. At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent Him out into the wilderness, and He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him. v. 9-13. Mark is focused totally on Jesus. Remember even as Jesus is gone from their sight for 40 days, He is doing the will of the Father, the most important work of all. After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” v. 14-15. To experience the Good we long for, we need Creator God. And now Jesus chooses His disciples, fishermen – Simon and Andrew; James and John; and tells them, “Come, follow Me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” And Jesus enters the synagogues of the cities and teaches them, not as those who quote other teachers, but as One with authority and the people are amazed. And when one man in a synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!”…Jesus rebuked the impure spirit…“Be quiet! Come out of him!” And the impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. v. 16-26. Can you imagine? Nothing like this had happened and news spread quickly throughout the region of Galilee. Jesus continued to heal as crowds gathered seeking healing and help. And always, Jesus sought solitude so He could pray to His Father, our Father. He knew how much He needed His Father always. He also knew He had work that needed to be done and so with His disciples, He went from town to town preaching in the synagogues and healing and driving out demons, v. 29-39. Imagine the encounters He had with people like you and me. A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out His hand and touched the man, “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to Him from everywhere. v. 40-45.

These events happened over two thousand years ago, and yet, even today, our hearts respond because these are no ordinary events. That’s why even decades beyond the events themselves, ordinary people like you and me, Jews and Gentiles, were being taught what happened – and their lives were being changed. Here is hope that is real! A difference in how to live! And just as Jesus was gone from their presence during the 40 days He was in the wilderness yet doing the work of Creator God…so is He doing important work today and for all eternity. His work is ongoing in hearts and minds turning away from the emptiness of life without Him, to the revelation of fuller life with Him that makes sense! That is why I have come! What is your life worth? The very Love of Creator God! A truth so incredible Jesus the Son, Creator God, came to bring hope then and now and for all eternity…“In that day, you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you! (John 14:20 ESV).