Yesterday Jennifer posted about projects having a bridge from one stage to the other as a metaphor for Malachi being the bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Coincidentally, the project I’ve been leading for over a year “crossed the bridge” over the course of the last two weeks. The old system served us well for over fifteen years however it was time for major transformation. The old system is still there for reference however now every business transaction from financials to supply chain and manufacturing run on the new system which is the lifeblood of the company. We now have no other way to conduct business apart from the new system.
In today’s reading (Mark 1:1-13) we are on the other side of the bridge; God is no longer silent and the Good News is upon us. John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through God’s miraculous power, this strange man John is able to influence a country and major city toward repentance.
And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:5)
Think about all of the sin and pain in our world today. What would it be like if “Judea” (or any country), “all Jerusalem” (or any major populated area) were to confess their sins? What a day that would be! It would be the headline on all news outlets; lives changed, hope restored.
What made their hearts change? Why did they confess? I think they were tired of their old ways, tired of the pain. I also believe that God’s truth was revealed to them in a miraculous way. I believe they were seeking; their hearts were fertile soil, ready for change.
Unlike my project which has many flaws on this side of the bridge; God’s plan is perfect. Further, unlike our lives with many flaws, Jesus is perfect and the only bridge that will lead us to eternal life where there is no more pain and suffering.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)
Only through faith and hope in Jesus can we be received with a similar response where God is pleased. He’s not pleased with our sin, not at all. What pleases him is our repentance from sin, our relationship with him, and ultimately our hearts changed through putting all of our hope, faith, and trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There is no higher name, no other way, no “plan b”, no other bridge than the one whom John – a righteous man was not even worthy to untie his sandals.
If you believe it, say it aloud, acknowledging who he was and is: Son of God.