After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15 NIV)
There are pessimistic realms in this world, constantly churning out bad news. And bad news just seems so much worse during the holidays. But we can choose to immerse ourselves daily in good news. As did many Israelites in the days of John the Baptist. They went out in droves to witness John prepare for the Way. People gathered in remote locations, at the Jordan and in the wilderness, to hear a gifted preacher and prophet. His cousin, Jesus, went to be baptized by him (Mark 1:9). Soon thereafter He began His preaching ministry.
Jesus preached first to the Jews. But, being confronted with opposition, He also preached to Gentiles—crossing over every barrier of social and cultural status. His preaching was not reserved for the religious elite in Jerusalem. Rather, He went as far as His legs would take Him, proclaiming the good news of God.
What is that good news?
The kingdom of God has come. And Jesus of Nazareth is King!
Luke quoted Jesus as saying, “I proclaim the good news of the kingdom for that is why I was sent” (Luke 4:43). More than announcing it, Jesus came “inaugurating and establishing His kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven” (to quote N. T. Wright).
“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst’” (Luke 17:20-21).
Jesus, sent by God, has been given—by God—a throne, a reign, and a kingdom with no end. It is a kingdom where Righteousness reigns. Where love, generosity, and goodness are the banner. It is a kingdom without walls. Unconstrained. It is not bound by generation or geography. And, because the King is eternal, so is His kingdom.
Jesus preached, “the kingdom is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). It is a message with a “therefore” . . . with a stated response. “Repent,” He said. Turn to the King—heart, mind, body, and soul. Allow Him to reign over your life. Let His teachings take root in your heart. And live out His kingdom values. Because what you do with Jesus determines your citizenship in His kingdom.
And, should you wonder where that kingdom is, simply look to see what God is doing in the world for there you will see the kingdom.
Our Holy God, Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. As Your partners and our King’s ambassadors, we don’t want to merely accept the marvelous gift of Your kindness and then ignore it (adapted from 2 Corinthians 6:1 NLT). Empower us to daily live repentant lives for Jesus, lives that actively bring Your heavenly kingdom right here.
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