It is near
This week is on Matthew 4:12-17:
John the Baptist had been preaching repentance before Jesus began his ministry. When he was put in prison, Jesus took over spreading the message of repentance. Jesus' message was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
The kingdom of heaven is near. In having direct access to God, the King of Kings, we are near to his kingdom. Jesus tells us to repent for that reason. When we are near God's kingdom, we are close to being part of it. When we are part of it, we are subject to its rule. And when we are near, we gain access to its resources to help us to change. What better time to change than when it's still cheap but not required?
Repentance is changing for the better. As we come closer to God, we become aware of things that need to change. How will you know if you're doing a good job if you never talk to your boss? And if he's willing to pay the price to help you get better at life, why not accept his free gift? Jesus is pointing out what a great opportunity we have.
If you're aware of some shortcoming, and you've got access to God, who helps you to change, what better time than today to try to fix things? Take him up on his offer! Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
John the Baptist had been preaching repentance before Jesus began his ministry. When he was put in prison, Jesus took over spreading the message of repentance. Jesus' message was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
The kingdom of heaven is near. In having direct access to God, the King of Kings, we are near to his kingdom. Jesus tells us to repent for that reason. When we are near God's kingdom, we are close to being part of it. When we are part of it, we are subject to its rule. And when we are near, we gain access to its resources to help us to change. What better time to change than when it's still cheap but not required?
Repentance is changing for the better. As we come closer to God, we become aware of things that need to change. How will you know if you're doing a good job if you never talk to your boss? And if he's willing to pay the price to help you get better at life, why not accept his free gift? Jesus is pointing out what a great opportunity we have.
If you're aware of some shortcoming, and you've got access to God, who helps you to change, what better time than today to try to fix things? Take him up on his offer! Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
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