The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. — Mark 1:1
I love the way Mark writes. He is so direct, so to-the-point. Mark grabs us by the hand and the next moment we are there with him.
Where does Mark find the beginning of the gospel? In the next verse he points to Isaiah who lived 700 years before Christ. But he could have just as easily began in the Garden of Eden.
Jesus didn’t appear out of nowhere. He came to earth in the fullness of time. The stage was set. Preparation had been made. He arrived at exactly the right moment in history.
You and I also, we occupy the exact moment in history where God has placed us. I was born in 1957. By 2057, I’ll probably be in heaven. So I have – as you have – this brief moment in history that we call our own.
I tell my children, and I’ll tell you: Nobody can take your place in God’s heart and in God’s kingdom. A place has been assigned to you at God’s table, and no one else can occupy it. God has placed you in the exact place in history where he wants you. What an adventure! You are here because only you can make the difference in your world that you were designed to make. God is excited about you.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.