Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he continued, “Then the devil left him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up”, and in chapter four and verse seventeen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus preached, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” where we read:
From
that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand.
The verse reads, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: ...” Matthew began with the words, “from that time” which means “away from the moment when” “Jesus” or “ the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate to herald, proclaim, publish and proclaim openly” “and to say” which means “and to utter, declare and proclaim”, “Repent” or “change one's mind, heartily amend with abhorrence of one's past sins”. Matthew shared how Jesus began His public proclamation of the gospel by telling people to “repent”.
The verse continues, “... for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew added the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account that” “the kingdom” or “the royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “of heaven” which means “belonging to the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “is at hand” or “is drawn near, joined together and approached”. Jesus continued his message by providing the reason for people to “repent” - “Heaven's kingdom was near”.
When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus' first message to the people who surrounded Him was to “Repent”. If they were live eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven with God their sinful ways must change, and so the must “repent”. We wonder how Jesus' message would be received now because a call to “repent” is just as valid today. God sent His Son into the world to turn people back to a relationship with Him, and those who are wise shall turn away from their sin, change their mind and ways, and yield themselves to Jesus who is “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus, “saw two brethren … Peter, and Andrew” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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