“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.””
Matthew 4:17 ESV
Review and Application:
In following Jesus example I too want to preach repentance in the same way he preached repentance. Repentance is a turning from sin. The first sin everyone must turn from is self-reliance, thinking they are good enough to make it to Heaven, or the presupposition of denying God entirely. The truth is, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) We need God’s forgiveness daily. Yes, daily – unless you perfectly follow his commandments. We need to turn to him. He is our hope. Jesus once said, “I am the way the truth and the life, nobody comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) . We all start out going a different direction, but he is the way. May our lives and even, yes, our words reflect this truth in a lost and dying world. People need the light of the gospel. People need Jesus. I also need Jesus.
Thought: if your neighbor’s house was burning, would it be sinful not to warn them? Eternally speaking, I have watched a person live in willful sin and said nothing. I need JESUS. I need his mercy, I need God’s grace. I need his power working in and through me to share the good news. Thank you Lord, for your mercies are new every morning – not based on my performance, but your love and sacrifice for us; for me…
How would you apply this verse in your walk with God? Please comment below.
