Only time will reveal the long-term effects of the challenges 2020 presented. While the groanings of the Earth through natural disasters are not new, a global pandemic was a trial few foresaw. This past year, many were awakened to the systemic racial injustices within our society, while others were disheartened by the fragility of our economy and republic. Amidst these trials, many questions arose: Where is the church? How is God calling us to rise in this hour? As I survey Mark’s Gospel, I am encouraged by the truth that Jesus is constantly on the move.
As Christian leaders and disciples, our chief responsibility is to follow and point people toward the way of Christ. Mark reveals the gospel as the distribution of good news—not merely for those gathering in a specific building, but for any hearer in proximity to the messenger. A faithful disciple presents Jesus as the one who drives out evil, heals the sick, prays in solitary places, and performs miracles. He is the one who feeds the hungry, teaches the truth, and draws a clear line between those who follow His light and those who stand with the oppressor.
The world is experiencing a season of great uncertainty, leading many to seek ways to address racial justice through cultural intelligence. Simultaneously, the church faces internal challenges that require intentional healing divisions in church leadership. In these times, we must remember our calling to be messengers of hope. By looking to Mark’s Gospel, we see that the mission of the church extends beyond its walls, reaching into the brokenness of the world to offer the transformative power of the Good News.
This same Jesus cleared the temple of those who would desecrate it for monetary gain and told his hearers that they must obey the authority of God and respond justly to the institution of the state. He commanded them to love and told them that the world as we know it will one day come to an end. His teachings were echoed through the life that he lived, so after his death and resurrection his message continues. Jesus is still on the move.
In a time of so much uncertainty and death, I cannot think of a better truth to proclaim. We need the Savior who has ushered in the Holy Spirit that is at work in us, and is all-powerful to overcome the evil spirit at work in the world. We need the one who can heal our spiritual and physical sickness. We need the one who prays for us, even now, and especially when we do not know how to pray as we ought. We need the one who can exchange beauty for ashes. We need the God of miracles, the God who provides, the God of truth. We need the God who is greater than Caesar and Pharaoh and governments. We need the one who is victorious over our sin, who can deliver us out of the hand of our enemy. We need the God of justice, the God whose identity is sacrificial love toward his whole creation. We need the God who is still alive and present with us when this old world comes to an end. Jesus is still on the move.
When I think about our Christian responsibility of evangelism and discipleship, this is the proclamation that comes to my lips. It does not matter if you are physically attending church, doing virtual discipleship, going to small group in a backyard, having conversations with colleagues or parenting your children, the call is still the same: Come to Jesus, come to Jesus. Come to Jesus right now.