After successfully overcoming temptation by Satan, recorded in Matthew 4, Jesus began His public ministry.
Ever stop to think about what message was so fundamental and important that Jesus would speak about it first? Matthew 4:17 gives that insight.
17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.[g]”
Try not to read over it too quickly. Better to dwell on it. Scripture does not say Jesus said this once, but rather “From then on…”. Jesus started with this key message and stayed on this point through His entire ministry.
We need to follow His example throughout our lives as well. God wants us first to repent, then to turn to Him humbly and seek Him wholeheartedly.
Some people struggle with the end of this verse, “… for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” since Jesus said it two thousand years ago. We could have a good debate on it and I look forward to sharing more on that topic another time. However, here is practical way to consider application.
Approximately 148,000 people around the world die every day. That equates to a pace of over 50 million people a year. For each of those who perished, they no longer have a chance to repent and turn to Jesus. Those who accepted Jesus wholeheartedly before they died are with Him in heaven. Those who did not are in hell, eternally separated from God.
The point is that time may be short for each of us. Now is the time to repent and turn to God. None of us are promised a tomorrow on this world.
Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.