February 20, 2021

“The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” – Mark 1:15

On this first Sunday of Lent, we hear the words of Jesus after He has been in the desert for forty days. We know from other gospel accounts that while Jesus was in the desert, He was tempted by Satan. So, the first thing Jesus tells the people of Galilee after his time of trial and temptation in the desert is—This is it! God is here. You need to change your hearts, and believe in Me!

Those words must have been pretty important if Jesus spoke them first. And those words were not simply meant for the people of Galilee; they are words meant for you and for me today. We are called to change our hearts and live like daughters and sons of God; we are called to be children of the light. God waits for us to turn His way. He wants us with Him. He wants our joy.

God has given us free will, so we can choose. Decide today what you will do. How will you walk with Jesus? What sin will you leave at the foot of the cross this Lent? How will you honor Jesus as your King? That we may be transformed into the people God calls us to be, I pray.

Jesus, I trust in you.


©Mary V. Pribbenow