Tuesday, February 10, 2015
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."
WHAT A KING WE HAVE IN JESUS!
John had urged 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 Jesus comes, saying: "The time has come, the wait is over, the Kingdom of God is at hand."
Jesus was saying plainly: "I am the One coming after John. The King is here. Repent and receive Him as your King." Jesus is the King, and when the king comes, so does His Kingdom-rule.
But what kind of king is this? He deals with people one on one. He is not interested in outward loyalties, taxes or tribute. His desire is to reign in the hearts of people -- people whom He rescues from the tyranny of sin and Satan, whom He protects and preserves and promises eternal life.
Jesus is truly a most improbable king. He travels with out retinue, personal attendants, servants, heralds or officials. He is poor, even by the standards of backwater Galilee. He is not recruiting fighting men, gathering troops for a military takeover. He comes on foot, an itinerant rabbi. His message is not a call to arms but a call to repentance and faith.
Jesus still calls sinners to sincerely regret their sin and to turn back to God. Jesus effects this deep change of heart by declaring the remarkable fact that God loves our world of lost and rebellious sinners and, having sent His Son to lay down His life for sinners, will bestow everlasting life upon all who put their trust in Him (John 3:16).
Jesus was not the Messiah-King many expected, but His rule is exactly what God's prophets promised of old. Earthly kingdoms come and go. But here is an eternal King with an eternal rule.
Earthly kingdoms grow by fear and force of arms. The rule of Christ comes and grows when God's Word is proclaimed in truth and when the sacraments are dispensed according to Christ's command. Through the means of grace Jesus ascends the throne of human hearts and there establishes His rule.
