Growing Storm and Sudden Impact Mark 1:1-8

The author creates an interesting tension at the beginning of the story. He says that this is "The Beginning of the good news (Gospel)" Here is where it starts. No star, no virgin, no census, no wise men, no manger. The starting line is here, the finish line is the empty tomb. This strikes me as odd. From Matthew and Luke we see a preamble to the ministry, we get to see the buildup, a little back story. Not here. The author makes the very clear message that what was said in the Old Book is now in full evidence in the New Book. Sudden Impact..we are thrown into the meat of the story much as Peter did in Acts. It starts here.

But he chooses a place to start that is sure to make Jewish readers uncomfortable. All the descriptions of John's ministry bring back haunting reflections of the old prophets. The way he dresses wearing camel's hair and a leather belt were clear reflections back to Isaiah and Elijah. He lived off the land because the culture would not support him and he wanted to obligations to those he was going to preach to.

His message was simple, repent. This was a message that played itself out in the minds and lives of the Jews. The old prophets always called for repentance. They knew and God's people knew that every time they repented God forgave, then blessed. Time and time again the Old Book, they were asked to repent, then be redeemed, and the formula was never changed, first repentance then redemption. The second part of his message was equally chilling..After me comes one more powerful. This ministry will continue on. You may ignore me, but you will not be able to ignore him. Turn a blind spiritual eye at your own risk. The storm clouds gather.

But John the Baptiser added a small twist that would not be lost on the religious minded of the day. Baptism by water. They were familiar with this event. Gentiles for centuries had converted to Judaism by being baptized, it was a precursor to the circumcision that sometimes followed. Surely John the Baptiser was not asking them to submit to a gentile requirement? How could this be? Are you kidding? How humiliating. It would be the first gusts of wind that would change the world and eternity.

Sudden change brought by a reminder of prophets of old. The journey has begun.

God, through your Spirit open our minds and our hearts. Let us be led by the prophets you send us and changed by the words and methods you devise.

Amen