Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
We are told that John made this proclamation and then after he was arrested, Jesus would declare the same statement. It is a fascinating one to consider. Made to an audience experiencing the rule of foreigners who hoped to free from that arrangement. Made to an audience in expectation of the return of the kingdom established by David which overcame all opposing forces and established as a free kingdom. It was an announcement to gain attention and offer the listeners an opportunity for hope but an action attached to truly receive and embrace this opportunity.
Even when Jesus ascended, we’re told that His followers continued to declare the message. As Jesus declared the gospel of the Kingdom, so those that followed Him shared a message that was sourced in the person of Jesus and referred to what the rule of God was to look like.
Thousands of years later and are we aware of the relevance of that declaration. The announcement certainly has personal and individual consequences. It does have elements of something to hold on to and celebrate for what it does to you alone, for sure. Yet this announcement has implications for life far wider than the personal and individual. As well as that, the message incorporates the wonder of something that is within reach and is yet beyond it – something both now and yet to come. Even as John made the announcement in preparing the way for the first coming, so the apostle and early church lived out the declaration in anticipation of the triumphant second coming and the culmination and full realisation of what had been indicated in what Jesus did.
Maybe a reason why that declaration isn’t as prominent as many regurgitate and repeat pronouncements of personal prosperity comes down to not understanding and appreciating the consequences of that announcement. Maybe the action necessary to embrace and live out the invitation implicit in the announcement isn’t prioritised. Maybe the implications on the way our world operates is too drastic and radical for us to truly take those accompanying actions that come with the announcements.
Whatever it is, there’s no room for complacency in hearing that announcement again and taking action on it. Action that embraces the good news through faith. Action that engages in sharing the good nes with others. Action in establishing the content in our every day life. Action in expanding this truth in the commitment to grow in the grace and the knowledge of the King of kings.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 