We are standing on the edge of something eternally significant.
In the final chapters of Mark, we will read the most important narrative ever told—the moment when God’s plan for redemption, set in motion before the foundation of the world, reaches its climax. Everything in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, points here. In these events, the manifold wisdom of God—once hidden—is now made known to all creation (Eph 3:10). Even the angels long to look into these things (1Pet 1:12). May our hearts be refreshed and amazed, once again, by the meaning of what God has done on our behalf through the cross of Calvary.
In The Beginning:
Garden of Eden: Yahweh was motivated by LOVE and creates (Ps 33:5 – the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD, Ps 136 – His steadfast love endures forever). Created in the image of God to relate with God, reflect his glory, and rule His creation (Gen. 1:26-28). He establishes the rails to run on for us in order to stay out of the ditch (Gen. 2:17). Then the serpent comes in to the picture and stirs up doubt (Gen 3:1-5). Serpent questions God, contradicts God, and replaces God. He plants the seed that God is holding out on you and he’s not giving you the full abundant life.
Houston, We Have a Problem!:
Adam and Eve buy the lie and rebel against God. That rebellion fractures their relationship with God and they find themselves spiritually dead and separated from God (Gen. 3:6-10). Sin becomes part of the human condition and infects every person from then on (Rom 3:23, 5:12, Isa 59:2). In the garden things go dark, but the light of God’s love remains (Gen. 3:21).
The Promise of the Solution:
Even in the curse, God gives hope: He promises a solution so that I can get back into a right relationship with a holy God. God promises to take out the enemy (Gen 3:15, 1Jn 3:8), cleanse us of our sin (Ps 103:12; Isa 1:18), and bring us back to intimate relationship with Him (1Peter 2:25, 3:18 …).
The Method:
God rolls out His plan for the solution throughout the centuries and through specifically selected men. Throughout the Old Testament God is pointing to someone greater who will restore what sin had destroyed.
Abraham: The promise that God’s blessing will come to him SO THAT through him all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gal 3:8, 14, 16). The blessing is reconciliation to God through Christ.
Moses: The law and the sacrificial system are both pointers. The law helps us clearly see our neediness and our inability to live righteously (Rom 3:20b). The sacrificial system establishes forgiveness through the shedding of blood
(Heb 9:22), a temporary covering of our sin so that we can relate to a holy God. But it’s pointing forward to the perfect sacrifice to come that will cleanse sin once and for all (Heb 10:4, 10, 12-14)
Prophets: The prophets (Isaiah-Malachi), for over 700 hundred years, held out hope that the solution was a sure promise. (Isa 53:5-6; Jer 31:31-34)
The Culmination in Christ:
Jesus was aware that He was the solution (Mk 10:45). God had planned it (Acts 2:23), Jesus was willing (Jn 10:18), and together they executed it to perfection (Eph 5:2).
Eph 1:7-8a – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us…”
Romans: A glimpse inside the treasure chest of the gospel.
5:8-10 – we were sinners/enemies, justified by His blood, reconciled
5:1-2 – justified, peace with God, obtained access, hope
6:5-6 – union with Christ, no longer enslaved to sin
8:1, 39 – no condemnation…no separation
8:11 – indwelt by the Holy Spirit
8:14-15 – led by H.S and adopted as sons
8:28-29 – being conformed to the image of Christ
12:9-21 – empowered to walk in newness of life
My Response:
When did MY story personally intersect with HIS story? Has it? If I have transferred my trust to Jesus and received His forgiveness, am I experiencing the abundant life that Jesus’ sacrifice has made available to me? Where is Jesus calling me deeper in knowing, trusting, worshipping and obeying Him?