The Time Is Fulfilled (Mark 1:15)

 


Saturday, 22 November, 2025


Psalm 51

2 Kings 22:12-23:3

Mark 1:14-28


The Time Is Fulfilled (Mark 1:15)


[Jesus said] “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”


It really is helpful having both an Old Testament and a New Testament reading side-by-side. In this way we get both the before and after shots on the same slide. Particularly so since slogging through some of the Old Testament history can make one a bit melancholy after awhile.


Over the last couple of days we have read about a small flicker of light in Judah’s history: King Josiah and his reforms. Even though the prophetess has indeed confirmed Josiah’s worst fears, that the curses of God will come on the people, there is still a little more time until that happens. But don’t get too comfy: the time will come.


Then we flick over to our second reading and read these words from Jesus: the time is fulfilled. The time of curses and disobedience and destruction are fulfilled; the wickedness of humanity is filled up, and the goodness of God has now come to set things right.


Certainly, the darkness can try its best to undo the works of God, but the light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness comprehends it not. Darkness is in full flight; God has come among us in the person of Jesus Christ, he has died, rose again, ascended into heaven, and poured out his Holy Spirit to draw all things to himself. The time is fulfilled.


How, then, can my soul allow itself to be downcast? These present sufferings are but temporary. Christ’s victory was complete, and our share in it is assured. The time is fulfilled.


Where does the darkness threaten your peace in Christ? How does his love fulfil all things in your life?


God of good news, you created time, set all things in its place, and are drawing history to its fulfilment in Christ: give us the courage of the Holy Spirit to repent and believe in the good news of the Light of the world, your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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