Monday, December 10, 2007
Psalm 81; Matthew 4:12-25Matthew says that "Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'" (v. 17). And that "he went throughout all Galilee... proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people" (v. 23).
After preaching on John the Baptist's message (same message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand") yesterday, and hearing his warnings of pending judgment, Jesus' message and actions seem different, refreshing even. The first thing he does is call people to follow him, and then we hear about his teaching, preaching, healing tour throughout the Galilee. The gospel or "good news" apparently was not only taught and proclaimed but demonstrated.
I think the rest of the book, actually, is the record of this "gospel of the kingdom" message. But just to stay where we are in the story for now, even the call and opportunity to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" is good news: it's not too late for us; we can enter into this kingdom. It is great news that this king has come so that we might turn around and be restored.
And then the call to follow him , to be with him, to learn of him, to become like him is more great news. And, as mentioned, the restoring of broken hearts, bodies, and lives is in itself such good news, and a wonderful sign that the reign and the redemption of God has broken into our world to reclaim and renew what is his.
I pray that we might recognize anew today the goodness of living in the reign of God, under his gracious, redeeming rule. And that in thanksgiving we might join him in spreading this good news in both what we say and what we do.
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