Repentance

“Like one untimely born.

Last night I went to the graduation of a six month residential substance abuse rehabilitation program in Bristol. It was an emotional night for all. The graduates consisted of drug dealers, forgers and thieves. All were felons. One man had spent fourteen years of his life in prison. He entered the hospices of the Tennessee Department of Correction at the age of twenty-two. The program included a rigorous schedule of worship times, Bible study and service. For some it was the longest they had ever been sober since they were in their early teens. All gave credit and thanks to God. “I am a new creation,

We make much of the fact that Jesus’ first miracle in the book of John happens at a wedding, and rightly so. His ministry of signs begins at a party with the Son of God supplying drinks all around. The interaction between Jesus and Mary is adorable and the miracle itself slightly scandalous to teetotalers. It is divine mischief at its best, and the resulting faith is an occasion for sheer enjoyment.

In the book of Mark, Jesus’ first miracle occurs at a worship service (Mark 1:21-28). It is as adorable as an earthquake. While the substance of Jesus teaching is missing in the account, Mark’s programmatic words probably catch the theme. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near, repent, and believe in the good news.