Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you. (Isaiah 12:4-6, NIV1984)
Lord Jesus, we believe that you are the Holy One of God, our Redeemer, the Lord of Hosts is your name. As we read your Word, prepare us by your Spirit to herald the Good News, faithfully telling of the glorious things you have done. Amen.
Scripture Reading - Mark 1:14-28 (ESV)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.
And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
Thank you Lord Jesus for coming to earth to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Thank you for how you come near to your children now by the presence of the Holy Spirit. You are the God who comes near to us! We love you, Emmanuel! You come near and call us to come to you. Come, be my herald of Good News.
Forgive us for when we delay in coming to you, for when we have not proclaimed the Good News to others, this good news that you are the Holy One of God come down to save us from our sins. Forgive us for not recognizing your kingdom come in our daily lives. Forgive us for when we have not been amazed by the authority of your Word. We claim the promise that if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Holy One, thank you for the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we have received from you. By it, we are able to remain in the Truth. Help us to be your faithful witness to the world. In your authority, may we go into the world, proclaiming your kingdom has come, knowing that you will be with us to the end of the age. Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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