Matthew shared how Joseph after being in Egypt with Mary and Jesus, “came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matthew continued, “in those days came John the Baptist”, and in chapter three and verse two of his book, Matthew shared John the Baptist's message where we read:
And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The verse reads, “And saying, Repent:” Matthew began with the words, “and saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”, “repent” or “change one's mind for better or heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins”. Matthew shared how “John the Baptist's” message was for people to “change their minds for the better”.
The verse continues, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew added the words, “for the kingdom” which means “because, since and on account that the royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “of heaven” or “belonging to the region above the sidereal heavens and the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “is at hand” which means “is brought near, drawn close and has approached”. Matthew shared how “John the Baptist” continued his message with the reason people should “repent” - because “heaven's kingdom” had drawn near.
When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the first message from John the Baptist was to “repent” or “change one's mind to the better”. The idea behind “repent” is to be going in one direction, turn around and go in the complete opposite direction. John's reason to “repent” was because God's “kingdom of heaven” was near. God wants everyone to know that His “kingdom” is open to everyone, and the entry into it is to believe in the “saving grace” of His Son Jesus Christ. “John the Baptist” heralded, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and his message is just as pertinent today.
Next time we see Matthew refer to another Old Testament prophecy, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
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Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
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