Mark 1:1-5

Mark quickly jumps into the gospel which bears his name by unabashedly heralding the “Good News” - proclaiming this Jesus to be the Christ – the Son of God. “Jesus” – His Divinely personal Name – the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word translated Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”. “Christ” - is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew title translated “Messiah, Anointed One”. “The Son of God” – being a bold claim of His outright divinity – that Truth - the foundation upon which the Gospel is built. The Gospel is trustworthy and as Paul states deserves our full acceptance:

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:15-17 (NIV)

Next, Mark switches gears and refers to Isaiah’s prophetic words regarding the forerunner of Christ - One who would come preparing the way for the glory of God to be revealed. Holiness requires our preparation – we easily fall into sin but holiness must be pursued and perfected:

1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Cor 7:1 (NIV)

"Excellence is never an accident." Jerold Panas

Mark states John the Baptist came as this forerunner to Jesus - as the fulfillment to the prophecy of Isaiah. He was the one who came declaring to every soul: “make straight paths in the wilderness a highway for our God”. The corruption of the world was so great it necessitated a cleansing and preparation for Jesus – just like our hearts. We are called to cleanse ourselves of all unrighteousness – turning from sin (repentance) – and turning to Jesus. We are to get rid of the chaff in order for the wheat to thrive. When God sent Jesus into the world He took care to prepare the way just as He does for each heart who receives His Son as Savior and Lord – He takes effective care to prepare. The heart where Jesus reigns has been cleansed and the will transformed and rectified. Grace is abundantly bestowed not only to save but also to sanctify – to make us like Jesus. Jesus is grace personified. We are not to remain as we were – we are to be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds. The rough ground of our emotions is made ready to receive the gentleness of His comforts. In our dry deserts we prepare ourselves for the lushness of His love - the sweetness of His Spirit – the fullness of His flowing springs of Living Water – and the all achieving power of His grace. This requires an emptying of self in order to be filled with Him.

“Some people are full of talk against legal doctrines, legal preaching and the legal spirit. Yet they may understand very little of what they are talking against. A legal spirit is far more subtle than they imagine. It can lurk, operate, and prevail in their hearts even while they are inveighing against it. For as long as a man is not emptied of himself and of his own righteousness and goodness, he will have a legal spirit. A spirit of pride in one’s own righteousness, morality, holiness, affection, experience, faith, humiliation or any other goodness, is a legal spirit...It is even possible to have a self-righteous spirit about one’s own humility and to be self-confident about one’s own abasement...But he whose heart is subject to Christian humility has a very different attitude...Christians who are real saints and the greatest in the Kingdom...humble themselves as a little child...They look upon themselves as children in grace..” Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections

The prophet Malachi prophesizes as well regarding the messenger who would come preparing the way of the Lord:

1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. Mal 3:1 (NIV)

Jesus clearly identifying this messenger as John the Baptist as recorded in Matthew:

7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.” Matt 11:7-15 (NIV)