WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: As you come to God today think through your routine. Are there things that have become mundane or stale? Look at your life afresh and ask God to show you his plans. A new era Mark is keen to demonstrate that Jesus is special, more than a prophet or a teacher but the very Son of God. Jesus ushers in a new era, the presence of God in the world in a new way and in doing so he is questioned about how his teaching relates to the old. The Jewish people were used to prophets bringing God’s Word to them. They were also used to priests mediating forgiveness for them. Jesus is something different. Feasting not fasting It’s interesting that fasting is the issue that raises the questions. The prophets fasted to cry out for God to act; John and the Pharisees fasted in repentance and intercession. Jesus comes feasting and calling others to feast. He is not merely bringing a word from God or securing temporary atonement; he is declaring the grace of God, the kingdom come, forgiveness and redemption for all – now that deserves a feast. Jesus is the fulfilment of the hopes of Israel. Respond: How are you allowing Jesus to bring his kingdom in your life? Does it just feel like more of the same? Jesus’ love and grace is a cause for celebration, for feasting. It is totally different from our world, where people strive for acceptance and forgiveness. Praise God today and decide to be a bringer of celebration in your world today. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-01-26