message
23 - 01/25 /13:44
Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
— Matthew chapter 4
Jesus communicated that the kingdom of heaven was near by words, community, and deeds.
The New Testament records that Jesus began His earthly ministry wandering around the Jewish region of Galilee, announcing at religious gathering places: the kingdom of heaven has come near. 19th century preachers like D.L. Moody and Billy Sunday challenged people to get their lives in order because God’s kingdom is coming. They echoed Jesus’ message to prepare for the arrival of God’s kingdom.
The gospels record that one of Jesus’ early efforts was to gather a community. The kingdom of heaven gathers people into relationship—with our heavenly Father and each other. Socializing can be healing. President Harry Truman said, “Never be afraid to put people together who disagree. Get them together for a party. They’ll be friends before you know it.” Jesus community included a Jewish zealot and a tax collector for the evil empire.
But Jesus didn’t just bring people together, He gave them a mission: “fish for people.” And He gave them power! Could it be that 21st century, first-world Christians have so little power because we spend so little effort fishing for people? Could it be our neglect of Christ’s mission restrains Holy Spirit power working in and through us?
The New Testament gospels record that Jesus went throughout Galilee “healing every disease and sickness among the people.” The kingdom of heaven brings in healing and wholeness.
Let’s be clear. New Testament miracles were unexpected events that amazed witnesses. The conception and birth of a child is miraculous, but happens all the time. The healings recorded in the New Testament—giving sight to the blind, empowering the paralyzed to walk, raising the dead to life—were unanticipated, unprecedented, amazing and created a buzz.
The 21st century, first-world church has mostly given up on miracles. Oh, they were real but are not for us. Charismatics and Pentecostals along with prosperity preachers annoyingly challenge that safe theology.
Jesus’ “healing every disease and sickness among the people” afforded a glimpse into what the kingdom of heaven looks like. No disease. No death. Depression eradicated. Peace prevailing. All because everyone seeks to see God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven.
The kingdom of heaven has come near. That was Jesus’ message. He communicated that message with words, with community, and with miracles. The church has the same message.
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard