PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 4:12-17
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
How do you handle criticism or correction: does it inspire, discourage or anger you?
Honestly, I do not like being corrected, because it implies failure.
I already beat myself up enough, its worse when others join in.
And now Jesus comes at me (us) with this word REPENT!
Turn around, change your way of thinking and living, get straight with God!
This word does not convey ‘good news’ but ‘bad news’, at least how we hear it.
But in this passage it’s part of the ‘great light’ message for people in darkness.
It is part of a promise of God’s kingdom, the better world God has in mind for us.
He urges us to admit the darkness that hinders us from God’s joy.
But more than that, to look with hope to Him for something better.
God’s better world IS coming, Jesus is establishing it for us and with us.
His command to repent is an appeal, a pleading in love, an eager invitation.
Discover the life you were made for, the life you long for, the life God offers you.
This is how Jesus is correcting me, He is NOT beating me up but lifting me up.
PRAYER
Lord, lately I am feeling the darkness, I need to hear this invitation again. Help me to understand that You are not criticizing me, You are calling me home!
Let the HS continue to convict me and lead me in the way everlasting!
Seems that when John’s voice was ‘imprisoned’ Jesus knew his time had come – so he began to preach/teach as the prophets had foretold in Galilee. Transitions/callings – change – sometimes the signs are clear – sometimes they blend – but when I look back – I can see indicators. Let God the HS continue to send those signs!
“The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light. To those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.” (vs. 16) I am grateful that I have seen this great light, Jesus! May I continue to be a light for Him, also shining in the darkness so that others may be pointed to Jesus, our GREAT LIGHT.