Matthew 28 and Mark 1
Do you ever read the last chapter of the book first? Or maybe just the last couple pages? I confess that I do sometimes because … well … I want to know it will end well before I let my heart get entangled with the characters. I readily admit to being a lightweight in this regard. I really appreciate an ending with promise and hope. We have a similar opportunity this week.
Many of us have taken the 4/90 plunge and have undertaken the challenge to read five chapters from the Bible each week. The plan is to read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in 90 days. We are reading five days each week with two grace days for rest, reflection, or catching up if we get behind.
But this week is special because we finish Matthew and begin Mark. Here’s the deal: this is your chance. If you’ve not been on track, start now! Go ahead and read the last chapter of Matthew today, Matthew 28. There are only 20 verses with an ending full of promise and hope! Has Jesus got a great commission for you! It is like first reading the last chapter of your next book.
Then tomorrow, read the first chapter of Mark and you are on your way to gaining some (more) understanding of the life-work of Jesus’ ministry … so that you might know Him and be known by Him; that you would trust God’s Savior for a rescued and redeemed life; follow Him and bring others along, too. Here’s just a peek …
Mark 1.16-20 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He (Jesus) saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.
Jesus is beginning His earthly ministry amongst not the elite of Jewish society in Jerusalem, but about 100 miles North along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He calls His first followers. He interrupts working men. And they follow Him immediately.
Many obligations tug at us each day. Many distractions can tug at us each day. Allowing your day, your life, to be interrupted by Jesus is, by far, the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you. Even if your daily routine includes set-aside time in God’s Word. Watch for and allow the divine interruption that informs and reminds you – you are not alone, you are valued, you are a daughter of the Living God and He has a message and a purpose for you: Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!
Love, Colleen