New Beginnings

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After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galille announcing God's good news, saying, "Now is the time! Here comes God's kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!"
- Mark 1:14-15 (CEB) -


I love stories fantasy fiction stories. I love the adventure, the lessons learned, and the incredible creatures. My favorite mythical creature is the Phoenix. The Phoenix is a huge magnificent bird of red, orange, and yellow colors. At the end of their life, they burst into flames and disintegrate into ash. Soon after, the Phoenix is reborn from the ash and begins life again.

Even though the Phoenix is mythical, I think it is a symbol that represents a great degree of truth in life. In Mark 1:14-15, we see the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and the end of John the Baptist’s. John prepared the way for Jesus and called people to repent and be baptized. John’s ministry ended by being arrested by Herod and later put to death. Even from this tragic end, there is a birth of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This ministry also led to a road of death. Jesus did indeed die, but Jesus’s death was not final. Jesus’ death also allowed us to die to our sins and be reborn as believers in a new life. 

This cycle of death and rebirth is part of life. Friendships die and others are reborn. Old things fade and new things come. I encourage you this week to think, pray, and read on how Christ has made you new in the verses below. As we are in this season of Lent, remember that we are on the road to Good Friday before we reach Easter. Reflect on that truth that Christ had to die in order for you to be able to die for your sins. From this, much like the Phoenix, Christ lives again and Christ gives us new life. 


To Read More: Matthew 11:1-15 and Romans 6:1-14.

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