Break down the elements of an invitation. You have a great event, a date, time, and place. Essential to the entire invite is who it’s shared with. Simple enough, right? But then imagine being at the event and knowing absolutely no one. It is here you’d want the validation of the invite to come through by way of an introduction. Without it, you’d be aimless and wonder why on earth you were asked to show up. It’s at this point, the moment of introduction, that we land in the book of Mark, an invitation to witness the divinity of Jesus. We can be encouraged by the truth that once we meet Jesus, everything changes. It is just that we get to choose whether or not the life of Jesus will mark us for the better. The prophetic voice of John the Baptist cries out, a brawl over change is about to break out, and it’s between our old selves and our new identity in Christ. It’s spiritual and it’s personal. All that we believe about our identity hangs in the balance. Everyone changes, but not everyone improves.

You can’t meet Jesus and not change.

1. Identification

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. —Mark 1:1

Everything you believe about Jesus will determine what you believe about yourself. If you believe Jesus came to save you, then you know you are loved. If you believe Jesus is God, then you know you are never alone. That’s the good news of Jesus.

2. Confrontation

Repentance might sound like a fighting word because in part it is! It takes a lot to recognize and face our wrongs. Fortunately, Jesus is the one we turn to. And the good part is, he doesn’t fight back. He welcomes us with the open arms of forgiveness ready to transform our hearts.

You’re invited! To a cosmic event. Right where you are. Right now. It’s the opportunity to be part of God’s work and it’s Jesus who has sent you the invite. Will you respond? Responding yes will take some effort on your part. There will be the necessary outfit change. You’ll have to be clothed in righteousness, and that takes repentance. But Jesus has the garments prepared for you, so come as you are, he will take care of the rest. Dark, formless, and void are not the final state of affairs for your life. God has a plan to transform you with the fire of his Spirit. He speaks light and life. He wants to create something new and good through you. Won’t you declare it with him? His Spirit hovers over your life like a dove in anticipation of the sound of your faith.

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