GPS Week of May 5, 2019
Series: Thy Kingdom ComeSermon – The Kingdom is Good NewsScripture Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10, Mark 1:1, 9-15In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:9-15)Monday May 6 — Mark 1:1-15The first thirteen verses of Mark’s Gospel serve as a prologue and introduction. They set the stage for the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry in verse 14. Unlike Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel, Mark does not include any birth narratives. But instead jumps right in with the (adult) ministries of John (the Baptist) and Jesus. Verses 14-15 serve as a summary of Jesus’ preaching ministry: in Jesus, God’s Kingdom is present in the world; this is good news and calls for a response. The rest of the Gospel will describe the Kingdom and God’s desired response. The question is: does the Kingdom of God sound like good news to you?
• Prayer: Eternal God, I am thankful that you have sent Jesus into the world to be The King – on earth and in heaven. Help me to trust and believe the Good News. Amen.
Tuesday May 7 — Luke 4:14-21Luke’s account of the start of Jesus’ ministry begins with an appearance by Jesus at the synagogue in Nazareth, his hometown. He read from Isaiah (in chapters 58 and 61) and announced that Isaiah’s prophecy had been fulfilled. Knowing that God’s Kingdom was the primary subject of his preaching, these verses help us understand that the coming of Jesus is indeed good news, especially for people who were typically believed to be excluded from the blessing of God: the poor, blind, captive, and oppressed. The question is: does this sound like good news to you?
• Prayer: Merciful God, forgive me for not understanding the scope of your love and your amazing grace. Forgive me for assuming that your love is only for people like me. Amen.
Wednesday May 8 — Luke 4:42-44The final verses of Luke 4 connect Jesus’ preaching (Luke 4:16-21) and healing (Luke 4:31-41) with the Kingdom of God. In other words, the Kingdom of God is the life that God intended for everyone: free from the power of sin and death, whole, and healthy. This sounds like good news, but not everyone saw Jesus’ teaching and ministry as good news for them. Read Luke 4:22-30 and prayerfully reflect on why someone might resist or reject the good news of God’s Kingdom.
• Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of new life through Jesus. Thank you for forgiving me and setting me free from the power of sin and death. Amen.
Thursday May 9 — Isaiah 52:7-10Over the centuries, Isaiah 52:7-10 has been interpreted in a number of ways and quoted in a number of other passages. The primary message is that God’s messengers take many forms and have the joy of announcing the good news of God’s salvation. We hear God’s messengers announce good news at the birth of Jesus. We hear Jesus announcing the good news of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ disciples are charged with continuing Jesus’ ministry of announcing good news. But here’s the truth: in order to announce the good news, we must believe the good news. Do you?
• Prayer: God of Creation, I long to experience your peace and sing praises in response to the good news of salvation. Open my ears to hear the good news. Amen.
Friday May 10 — Luke 1:30-33, Luke 2:8-12The word “angel” simply means “messenger.” The angels in the Christmas story are messengers announcing that the birth of Jesus is good news, and that “of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33). The baby born in Bethlehem is “a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus’s birth initiates God’s Kingdom on earth, which is why Jesus’ birth is “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). How is the coming of God’s Kingdom good news for you?
• Prayer: God of Joyful Life, thank you for constantly showing me your love and grace. Open my heart to experience the abundant and joyful life you offer me every day. Amen.
Saturday May 11 — Romans 10:14-17In his letter, the apostle Paul reminds the Romans of God’s great offer of salvation to everyone. He quotes Isaiah as a reminder that God, throughout the ages, has sent messengers with the good news of saving grace. His point is that we experience salvation when we hear and respond to the good news. This promise (that God sends messengers) requires that we pay attention and be willing to listen when the messengers tell us about Jesus. Are you looking for good news? Are you open to the possibility that God is speaking to you today? Will you listen?
• Prayer: God of Salvation, grant me the ability to pay attention to your messengers. Help me learn to notice signs of the good news all around me, every day. Amen.