Lenten Devotion: Day 1 (2/18/2026)
February 19, 2026 by admin
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” — Mark 1:15
(Please read the scripture passage before moving on to the devotional: Mark 1:1-15)
Today marks the beginning of our 40-day Lenten journey. Let us deeply long for the grace that God will pour out upon us during this season.
Unlike the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which recount the birth of Jesus, or the Gospel of John, which speaks of Jesus as the Logos who was with God from the beginning, Mark does not provide a traditional “origin narrative.” Instead, it delivers a direct and striking message:
“The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
The very first verse proclaims Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. By introducing the ministry of John the Baptist, the text establishes the identity and authority of “the One who comes after” him. Following John’s arrest, Jesus begins His own ministry with a definitive call:
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Jesus’ first message serves as a concise introduction that encapsulates the entire core of the Gospel: because the Kingdom of God is near, we must repent and embrace the Good News.
The declaration that the Kingdom of God has come near implies that, for many, the Kingdom had felt “far away.” But because it is now close—and because there is no more time for hesitation—Jesus calls us to repent. This was His opening invitation to the world.
As we begin Lent, we come before the Lord with the themes of reflection, repentance, and renewing grace. Today, as we meditate on Jesus’ invitation, let us place our hope in the Kingdom of God and offer a heart of true, turning repentance to the Lord.
Prayer
We hear that Paul Shoemaker successfully completed his bone marrow transplant surgery yesterday. Let us pray for his swift recovery and that God would grant him a day of miracles. We also lift up our friends who are currently confined to sickbeds; may they feel His comforting presence today.