Near

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”                                                                                                                                  Matt. 4.17

Matthew introduces Jesus’ ministry with the words, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Jesus starts with the very essence of the gospel message. God is close at hand and all the joy and wonder of His kingdom is available to those who will repent. In the world we move like lost souls striving to cut a path and make a place for ourselves. In time, we die, and all the worldly benefits we may have accrued mean nothing. God offers us a future, beyond death, of a glorious life with Him. Furthermore, He takes us into that life, giving us a taste of it from the moment we accept Him through confession and repentance. The fullness of this glorious life we will only know when this earthly life is done, but we can taste of it in the here and now.

The nature of repentance is one of changing direction, turning from the sinful ways of the world and giving ourselves to go God‘s way. I don’t always succeed in following the path God would have me journey, but He is merciful and kind in taking me back and restoring me into His way.

I have said that Jesus proclaimed the gospel message, in all its simplicity, at the very start of His ministry. He wasted no time. We ought to follow His lead, and waste no time in turning to Him, in confessing, repenting and seeking His way forward.

Lord God,

My prayer today is for those who don’t know You. Some may be seeking a change in direction. I pray for Holy Spirit prompting for these people, that they might clearly see the way forward, and take it.

I pray likewise for a supernatural prompting for those who seemingly want nothing to do with You. Show them the truth, and draw them into that truth.

I ask these things in Jesus’ name.            Amen.