DAY 38: THE KINGDOM’S MESSAGE

DAY 38: THE KINGDOM’S MESSAGE

SCRIPTURE:

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15

OBSERVATION:

When John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord, he preached fearlessly “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near”. In another translation, it is written “the kingdom of God is at hand”. What is it about the nearness of the Kingdom that would cause people to repent? Inherent in this message is the call for people to get themselves right before the King comes into His Kingdom! Among the Jews, they also knew from the Scriptures that the coming of the Messiah would also herald a time of judgment and an appraisal of each one as to whether they would be worthy to enter the kingdom. That’s why it was important for people to turn away from sinful ways and turn back to God’s ways.

In the Greek, the word translated “repent” literally means to “change one’s mind or mindset”. As for the Hebrew, the word translated “repent” gave the connotation of “turning around”. For example, a person may be headed north, but turn around and head south. Put together, the Biblical term “repent” gives us the idea of a person changing one’s mindset from living just from his own pleasures to wanting to live a righteous life according to God’s ways. He would thus turn around from his old way of doing things and instead start doing things God’s way again.

In the Greek, the verbs used as “repent” or “believe” actually means to keep on repenting or to keep on believing. Thus, the picture of the believer should be one who constantly turns towards God, like King Josiah did, and who keeps on believing. The ultimate test as to whether we can hold on to our faith is whether we are actually ready to die for it, being fully confident that death for Christ only means greater reward later.

What is the gospel? It is basically believing in 3 things. That Jesus Christ died for our sins. That He was buried. And that He rose again on the third day. If we truly believed that the Son of God Himself came down to earth to die for us that we might receive forgiveness from our sins, and that He rose back to life and is ascended again to Heaven, how would we live? How truly thankful would we be? Would be truly dare to go back and live sinful lives for only our own pleasure?

APPLICATION:

To believe in the gospel is to believe Jesus Christ is Lord, and that it is only in Him that we can find salvation. We need to continue to trust Him, no matter what. Also, in this world, there are many temptations that bid us turn away from God and His ways. We need to discipline ourselves to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading to turn away from these distractions and instead focus on doing God’s will. At the same time, we also need to be mindful of those around us and who cross our path, looking for opportunities to share with those who do not yet know the Lord.

PRAYER:

We praise You and thank You, Heavenly Father, for inviting us into Your kingdom, for enabling even humble folk like us to join You in Your royal family. All you do Lord is perfect and just! Help us O Lord, keep in repentance and produce fruit that glorifies You. Create in us too that deep trust in You and Your love that You will never leave us nor forsake us because of Your great faithfulness