April 1

Mark 1:1-8 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5).

Observation

John had one mission in his life and that was to prepare people's heart for the coming of Jesus Christ. So how did he accomplish such a daunting mission? He did it by preaching the simple gospel message that many of us might be familiar with but perhaps fail to see the significance of it. The gospel which John preached was this: Repent and receive God's forgiveness (V.4). Repentance is one of those Christian jargons we use around church without a proper understanding what it truly means. Many equate repentance with deep remorse over one's sins. Yet, that's not how the Bible coveys repentance. For an example, after betraying Jesus, Judas Iscariot felt great, sincere remorse--so great that he ended up taking his own life. Yet, that was not repentance. So, what is true repentance? True repentance has two parts: First part is confessing my sins as sin that is concealed can never be healed. Second part is accepting God's forgiveness. True repentance doesn't lead one to despair as it did in the case of Judas. True repentance always lead to hope as one trades his sinful ways with God's righteous ways through confession of sins. That is not to say that one should not feel remorseful over our sins as true repentance should accompany genuine remorse over our sins. However, we must remember that God calls us to repentance for the sake of freedom from the bondage of sins not simple guilt trip or moment of catharsis. In our passage, it says that many drew near to God through baptism of repentance while confessing their sins (v. 5).

Application

I will be quick to repent of my sins as the Holy Spirit brings to my mind whatever that hinders my intimacy with my Father.

Prayer

Father, I praise you for your compassion. Out of your compassion, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue me from the bondage of sins. I thank you that my sins don't have the final verdict on who I am despite my struggles with many sins. You have the verdict on who I am. I am your beloved! Would you guard my heart against the lies and deception of enemies throughout this day and help me to be sensitive to prompting of your Holy Spirit that calls me to repent and receive your forgiveness and freedom in Christ? It is in Christ name I pray. Amen.

--KJ