A New Beginning
Scripture Reading — Mark 1:1-3
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark 1:1
Do you need a fresh start with God?
If you do, the opening verse of the gospel of Mark has something for you.
It speaks of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to offer new beginnings to all who seek God’s mercy and strength in a time of need. Mark’s opening words remind us of the first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
Mark apparently wanted his readers to remember that God is present and at work in the beginning of all good things. When God created the world, everything was good. But Adam and Eve sinned against God, and things began to go wrong. But that was not the end of the story, for God set out to restore what was lost, and his work centered on the coming of Jesus Christ.
What does this mean for us? Well, we know God loves us and did not turn away from his rebellious creation. God came into the world through Christ Jesus to save us from our sin and its consequences. Because Jesus came to die in our place, paying the price for our sin, all who believe in him are not under sin’s curse anymore. They are given a new beginning, and that is what the gospel (“good news”) is all about.
Have you received a new beginning through Jesus Christ?
Dear Father, we have turned away from you often. Please forgive us and give us a fresh start through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. In his name we pray. Amen.
About the author — R. Scott Greenway
R. Scott Greenway was born in Mexico City in 1964, the fourth child of missionary parents. He graduated from Calvin College in 1986, Calvin Theological Seminary in 1991, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2002. He and his wife, Kelly, have four children. He pastored the Irving Park Christian Reformed Church in Midland Park, New Jersey, and currently serves as pastor of Caledonia Christian Reformed Church in Michigan. He enjoys a variety of outdoor sports, including hunting and fishing.
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