The Kingdom of God is at Hand - Mark 1:15

Mark wrote how Jesus, “was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God”, and in chapter one and verse fifteen of his book, Mark wrote how Jesus said, “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” where we read:

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel.

The verse reads, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:” Mark began words, “and saying” which means “and uttering, declaring and proclaiming” “the time is fulfilled” which means “the due measure, fixed and definite time of when things are brought about is made full, supplied liberally and furnished”, “and the kingdom” or “and the royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “of God” which means “belonging to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “is at hand” or “is brought near, has approached and come nigh”. Mark shared how Jesus declared the “timing” of God's “Kingdom” was near.

The verse goes on to say, “repent, and believe the gospel.” Mark added the word, “repent” which means “change your mind for the better and heartily amend with abhorrence your past sins”, “and believe” or “think to be true, be persuaded of, have confidence in and trust” “the gospel” which means “the glad tidings and good news of the kingdom of God soon to be set up”. Mark shared how Jesus instructed people to “change their minds to the better and heartily amend with abhorrence their past sins” and to have “trust and faith” in God's “good news”.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we notice Jesus' message to the world - “the timing” of God's “Kingdom” was ready and fulfilled, and because it is, people should turn from their wicked ways and believe and trust God's “good news” of “salvation”. This message continues today, and it is the purpose and reason for writing these words. God loves people, and His desire is for them to know He has a “Kingdom”. He wants them to be part of it, and entrance is gained by “repenting” of sins and believing and trusting in His Son Jesus. Let all who read these words know, God's Kingdom “is at hand”, therefore “repent, and believe the gospel”.

Next time Mark tells what happened as Jesus, “walked by the sea of Galilee”, 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. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".