Monday, January 30, 2012
Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
THE KINGDOM IS COME
It may appear at first glance that Jesus' message was the same as that of John's, and a portion of it was similar. But notice Jesus' introduction, how He began His message to the people of Galilee. He said: "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand."
John the Baptist had said (Luke 3:16): "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."
When asked if He were the Promised One, John said plainly (John 1:20): "I am not the Christ."
John the Baptist urged the people to prepare themselves because the Savior was coming to them. He said that the time was almost ready and his appearance was imminent.
Now, notice what Jesus said: "The time is fulfilled. The wait is over. The Kingdom of God has come near." Jesus was saying plainly: "I am the One coming after John. The King has arrived and His Kingdom is being built in earnest."
It may sound like Jesus was saying that the Kingdom of God was still "on the way," but Jesus is the King and when the King comes and rules, so does His Kingdom come. Jesus wasn't saying that the Kingdom of God was "still coming" but that it was so near, so close, that it could be entered now through God-worked repentance and faith. In this respect, Jesus' message was different than John's message.
This is also the message that we are privileged to take with us today. While much of the world looks for an answer to the question: "What must I do to be saved," we have been given this glorious message: "The Savior has come!" Yes, and He still comes to make His home with us, to rule our hearts and minds by His love through His Word.
