MARK 1:14-28
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
" ‘The time has come,’ Jesus said. ‘The kingdom of God is near.
Repent and believe the good news!’ " Mark 1:15
Location is usually described in relation to something or somewhere
else. We live near the hospital, we go
to school in a small town just outside Atlanta, or our office is only six
subway stops away. Maps provide a more
concrete guide to a destination but it's an effort to actually refer to one -
refolding them neatly is virtually impossible.
Today the accessibility of GPS technology is changing the way we
navigate and provide directions. We can
remove the uncertainty of location by simply typing an address or landmark into
one of our many smart devices.
Even if this technology had been available to the citizens of Galilee
when Jesus told them that the kingdom of God was near and that they must repent
and believe the good news, I don't think a GPS would have helped them find
their way to the kingdom anymore than it can direct us in our faith journeys
today. The good news is that Jesus, the
best guide and tour director, showed (and continues to show) us the way. We
don't have to wait for the kingdom to become a location with navigational co-ordinates. Every time each of us demonstrates the love
of Christ to another the kingdom comes nearer.
When asked where I live, I still will say "near Roanoke
Memorial" and I want to be able to add – "but I'm trying to move
closer to the kingdom of God".
Lord, help me to remember your Kingdom is present and near today and
guide me to show others the way.
~Gini Agee
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