READING: Genesis 1-2; Psalm 19; Mark 1
Jesus is the Son of God. Mark, the writer of this second Gospel, announced that truth to begin his book (Mark 1:1). The Father proclaimed that truth as well at the baptism of His Son (Mark 1:11). Even the demons understood that truth, even if they had no intention of following Him (Mark 1:24). Jesus was the One through whom all things were made (John 1:2), and all of creation points to Him.
At the same time, Jesus spent significant time in prayer to the Father. Three times, Mark records Jesus’ praying (Mark1:35; 6:46; 14:32), with Mark 1 speaking of prolonged praying very early in the morning—“while it was still dark,” in fact (Mark 1:35). Jesus, the Son of God, so loved and followed the Father that He deliberately and persistently pushed away from the work of ministry in order to spend time with Him. That commitment sometimes necessitated meeting with Him long before others were awake, but Jesus kept that commitment as primary.
As we begin this year together, we must consider these questions of application:
- Do I live like I genuinely believe that Jesus is the Son of God? If not, where do I need to repent?
- Do I intentionally set a side time to be with the Father each day?
PRAYER: “God, I pray that this new year includes a deeper commitment to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 3-5; Mark 2