Mark 16:19-20
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” Jesus’ Ascension+, #1 (Mark). And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs. (v. 20) Mark is known for his efficiency with words, but here his synopsis of the Book of Acts leaves a bit to be desired in that Luke took 28 chapters and 1006 verses to tell the story! But Mark’s three points in this verse are each covered in detail in Acts – as we will begin to learn in two days!
Mark’s succinct message in this verse is still worth noting, that …the Lord worked with them and confirmed the[ir] message… That is, although Jesus had ascended, He did not leave them alone. And for us today, it’s still true. As we “preach everywhere” we need to know that our Lord will work with us and confirm our message with signs that we often will not see. The important point here is that we have a message to deliver and that we need to trust our Lord to work in and through us to deliver that message. It’s a good word for 2020!
Slava Bohu!
Just what I was thinking, Fred. My translation says proclaim the good news rather than preach. Somehow to me, proclaiming good news sounds more natural and do-able for me than preaching, which is more intimidating to me. Now to do either in 2020 is going to take His guidance and reassurance!