The Kingdom Is Near

The Kingdom Is Near
written by Chris Baker

Does life ever seem mundane? Does one day seem to flow into the next and into the next? Have you grown comfortable with life? People in the 1st Century were used to a certain way of life. They had their routines, followed their religious observations, some tried to live godly lives while others could not be bothered. Until they began to hear this message, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 4:17).” They first heard it by this odd prophet living in the outskirts of society. He wore weird clothes, ate bugs and probably seemed a little off his rocker. Although, there was something appealing about his message that struck a chord with people. He began to preach a message over and over again; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This man was John the Baptist who paved the way for Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah (Matthew 3). 

Oddly enough, when Jesus formally began His ministry, guess what He preached? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” There is something appealing about that message. That message often disturbs us, makes us feel uncomfortable, throws a kink into daily life and gets our attention! Why? What is it about that message that is so appealing? I believe it acts like a shock to the system. It is like jumping into ice cold water on a blazing hot day! That message stops us dead in our tracks and causes us to think.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” What does repent mean (turning from a sinful lifestyle towards God)? Do I need to repent of anything? What does that phrase mean, “the kingdom of heaven is near?” Does this message affect me? Does this change daily life for me? Why is this message so appealing to me? 

I believe this message strikes an internal chord. This message causes us to realize a stunning reality; something is not right in my life! Of course, only the Holy Spirit can cause a person to see this reality. Now, one has a choice to make. What do I do with this reality? Do I ignore it and continue on with life? You could, most do, but I would not recommend it! If the Holy Spirit has allowed you to be confronted with this message, then I would not ignore it. We can choose to accept this reality or not. No one is forcing you to choose a different reality, especially God, He leaves that choice to you. 

What is the reality? Time is short and the time to begin a relationship with the Lord is now! “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” The kingdom is near, the time is short and you may never have this opportunity again. “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

The Lord got your attention and opened your heart to hear His message of repentance. Do not take this opportunity lightly. Do not ignore Him, because every time we do, our hearts grow a little bit harder. Eventually, and who knows when that is, our hearts become too hard to hear the Lord. His desire is that all would repent and choose Him, but the choice is yours. The kingdom of heaven is near, time is short, the time for salvation is now, so what will you choose? 

COVID has caused many to open their eyes. Not because of the virus but the shift in daily life. The virus shows us how easily and quickly our lives can change. The time of salvation is now! Don’t wait until tomorrow, or the next day, or the next year, or the next ten years because that time is not promised to you. You are here now, you are present now, you are reading these words now, so make a decision now! 

Again, the choice is yours. God’s desire is to spend eternity with you but what is your desire? He has already provided the way for salvation, He has extended His grace, He has made every possible attempt to save your life, but you need to choose it for yourself. I pray that you heed these words. I am not trying to guilt anyone into a decision! On the contrary, I believe in the urgency of this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Please click here, to learn more about beginning a relationship with Jesus. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 Peter 3:9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23b

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9