A Simple Plan

"From that time Jesus began to proclaim, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"

(Matthew 4:17)

The first book in the New Testament begins with Jesus' ancestry... then his birth... followed by the danger from Herod's wrath & the escape to Egypt... then his move to Nazareth. All that happens in chapters one and two. By chapter three, Jesus is an adult, and we hear John the Baptist's message of preparation: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Mt. 3:2). Jesus come and is baptized by John. In chapter four, Jesus, fasting for forty days and nights in the wilderness, is tempted by the devil. THEN JESUS STARTS HIS 'OFFICIAL MINISTRY' in Galilee. And what are the first words out of his mouth (at least those recorded by the author?): "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (4:17). Same message as John (who, by the way, has now been arrested).

It's interesting that Jesus uses this same "sermon." REPENT! Turn away from your sins. We all need to hear this. We all stand in need of repentance. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS COME NEAR! John knew the Messiah was close. He was preparing the way. Jesus knew he was the Messiah. He was among them - near them - around them. Would they notice? Would it matter? Would they change?

We pastors spend hours and hours preparing sermons to preach. Sometimes it's enough to go back to the basics. The essentials. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." It's still near! Jesus is all around. God's Kingdom is all around - if only we have eyes to see.

So I need to repent. Over and over. And look for the Kingdom around me. Near. At hand. Sounds like a simple enough plan for today.

PRAYER: Thank you, God, for simple words. A simple plan. Forgive me for the many ways I fail in thought, word, speech and deed. Keep my eyes and heart focused on You and Your Kingdom. Today and everyday. AMEN.