The Excitement of God’s Kingdom
Scripture — Mark 1:23 (NRSV)
Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit . . . .
Focus
The Christian life isn’t a matter simply of waiting around for the Second Coming or preparing for heaven. Rather, it is joining God in the exciting, compelling, transforming work of his kingdom.
This devotion is part of the series: Following Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.
Devotion
The NRSV translation of Mark 1:23 begins with the phrase “Just then.” This phrase translates the Greek adverb euthus. If you were to look up euthus in a Greek-English lexicon, you’d find meanings such as “immediately” and “suddenly.” “Just then” doesn’t quite get the sense of the original, I’m afraid. It misses the feeling of urgency, the feeling that things are moving at a quick and exciting pace. Several contemporary translations rightly prefer “suddenly” (CEB, Message, NLT).
In the Greek original of the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel, the word euthus appears twelve times. This word, a favorite of Mark, who uses it forty-two times throughout his Gospel, appears as often in Mark 1 as in all the other Gospels combined (Matthew – 6; Luke – 3; John – 3). Talk about emphasis! Mark is hammering home the point that the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is happening euthus.
But what does this mean? Mark’s unusual repetition of euthus is meant to convey a sense of urgency, vitality, and fast-paced activity. In Jesus, the kingdom of God has drawn near and things are popping! For Israel, the centuries of waiting are over. God is on the move . . . suddenly! And people are responding . . . suddenly! Even the demons are getting into the act . . . suddenly!
The sense of urgency in Mark 1 does not mean that we should start rushing around in response to the good news of the reign of God. If anything, some of us need to slow down and spend more time with God rather than always doing for God. Nevertheless, reading Mark 1 attentively should increase our excitement for God’s work among us. The Christian life isn’t a matter simply of waiting around for the Second Coming or preparing for heaven. Rather, it is joining God in the exciting, compelling, transforming work of his kingdom. When we see what God is doing, we won’t want to be left out.
Reflect
In what ways are you participating in the kingdom of God in your life?
What keeps you on the sidelines of the kingdom?
What helps you to get into the game?
Act
As you go about your day today, keep your eyes open. Is God doing something you weren’t expecting? Is God inviting you to share in the work of the kingdom?
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me see what you’re doing in this world so that I might join you in your work. Keep me from complacency or, worse yet, boredom. Rather, may I be excited about the work of your kingdom, and may I get deeply involved in it. May I discover how I can be doing your work even as I do my work each day.
O Lord, do in my life that which is unexpected! Stir me up, Lord, so that I might serve you with enthusiasm and commitment. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: The God of Surprises.
Mark D. Roberts
Senior Fellow
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Fellow for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders, and t...