Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

J - Jonah proclaims the word of God to Ninevah, and God forgives the popele of the city.
P - love and trust God for in Him is our home and refuge
1C - the present form of this world is passing away
M - fishers of men

Grace, peace, and mercy to you from God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

A recent theme in my life lately has been how heaven is not the very last thing for us.  Heaven is not the end.  Certainly, heaven is real, but it is not the end of things.  We don't just die and then go to heaven.  There's more than that.

This is true.  The Bible says that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. I can even remember being scared at a point because how would it work if we were to have eternal life, but both heaven and earth were going to pass away?

The simple answer given by some was that the heaven and earth that were going to pass away was the earth and the sky, but heaven was going to stay.

I did not like much of what the Seventh Day Adventist church taught me, but it did get me to study the book of Revelation some more.  Obviously, it is still mysterious and not clear like they try to make it.

However, it also got me to look at the other things that are in the Bible.

Just what is this good news that is important?  It could simply be that we go to heaven, end of story.  However, that's not it.

The good news is that while we don't know it, God has a plan.  Just like those fishers of men in the gospel, we have to follow God and Jesus and tell of the good news.

Just like Jonah finally did (with a huge push, or even being forced by God), he proclaimed what would be bad news to Ninevah, but they repented, so it turned into good news for them.

Paul tells us that the world is already changing from its current state.   While things may seem to be getting worse and worse, we must remember that ultimately God is in control of everything.  Certainly, humans miss the point and do some awful things, but it is always wisest to trust God.  There, we will be safe.

So, no matter what happens, life on this earth, or waiting in heaven, for that new heaven and new earth where we will all live, we have a refuge and a home in God and in Jesus and in the Holy Spirit.  

Because of this, we can proclaim "Alleluia. The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. Alleluia. (Mark 1:15)"
 
Prayer of the Day (from http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Lectionary/Year-B/Time-after-Epiphany.aspx)

Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.