Tuesday; September 15
Jesus’ ministry had an interesting beginning. Set against the good news of His mission was the bad news of John the Baptist’s arrest (and eventual martyrdom). An early historian noted, “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15). Isn’t it bad luck that John’s trials began as Jesus went public. Now, if you go back and reread that statement, you might see a bit of irony (if not satire) in it. You see, nothing about Jesus happened by luck. In fact, Jesus was well aware that His mission was ordained and guided by God. The timing was as right as the message was righteous! It is easy to look at life and feel a perceived victimization; but what if we believed that things happen for a purpose. I am not saying that God pr...