The Time

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.  Mark 1:15 (KJV)

Finally God´s great plan had reached that crucial point after an allotted period had run its due course.  Jesus was here to announce that God and His kingdom were within reach.  This was the moment that the prophets had foreseen.  Now was when God was closer than ever.  Jesus, the Son of God was amongst us.  A new era was at hand where God´s kingdom and ours were finally within reach.

God had designed a way to put differences between these two worlds into a right and correctly atoned relationship.  Mankind chose to go against the wishes of God and turning to our own ways we separated ourselves from our rightful Lord.  This was not an act done merely by the first two of our kind, but something we each and all do continually.

Now, the time has come for us to lay down our old ways and turn to God who has drawn His kingdom within reach.  To do this we need to repent.  This is not a catch-phrase or a finger pointed at those who behave the worst.  This is a call for each of us to take a good look at ourselves and admit our need to return from following what we do and put God´s will back where it belongs before our own.  This means that every last one of us, yes, even the pastor or highest celebrated saint, must live through a process of rejecting self and recognizing that they are in need of a Savior.

This is not a well-received message to give, but unfortunately we have no shortcuts.  Jesus, along with the entire Bible gives no alternative route.  Those who truly want to know God or really do desire to share any part of His kingdom will seek out this Path and their highest delight will be in following it.

“Here it is!” He says, “Take it!”

Jesus tells us that finally it is within reach, turn and put your faith in His good news.  God is good.  He is good news to His people.  We must be careful not to lump God´s will into a hollow way of living, shallow rules, or a devotion to denomination whose theology is better received than another.  God calls men to Him.  We come, not to better ourselves or our standings with any other created being.  We come to put ourselves into a right adjustment to the Almighty God.  Our sole purpose in life is to bring honor and pleasure to our King.  All else that we may endeavor towards takes second place or is lost far down on the list of merit.

Dear Jesus, we believe!  We believe that You have come and brought God´s kingdom within our reach.  Make us aware that we need to turn from something, and focus everything on You.  Please help us as we make that transition from trusting in ourselves, to trusting in You.  Let us realize the greatness of You, our Good News. And give us the gift of faith that will set all our attention upon You.

Amen