Thursday, January 4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."  At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:17-20)

Happy New Year!  It is great to join with you in reading through the Bible in 2018.  I pray that it may be fruitful in your life and bring greater joy and depth in your relationship with God.

Today, we read in Matthew about the start of Jesus's ministry in Galilee.  Given the historical significance of Jerusalem and Judea, God definitely wished to make a statement through Jesus's coming to Galilee.  Its proximity to Gentile territory speaks to the reality that the Gospel would be for all people.

His starting message doesn't seem that detailed until we recognize that He had embodied the Kingdom.  In Him, the Kingdom had its full proclamation because the King had arrived.  He invited His hearers—just as we may also join in—to repent, turning away from their sinful conduct.  This act, coupled with faith, would bring the Kingdom to life in those who followed Christ.  The same message—and same King—invite us today to follow Him.

God chose some local Galilean fishermen to become Jesus's closest associates and those who would lead the early church and author significant parts of the New Testament.  Today, I was impressed with the immediacy with which these fishermen abandoned their homes and livelihood to follow Christ.  Indeed, Jesus had attracted many in crowds, not through clever marketing, but rather through the revelation of the Kingdom.  This passage (and its historical context) underscores Paul's claim that, in Christ, the fullness of Deity came in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9)

In this New Year, how could you follow the King more closely?  What areas could you lay into His hands?  How could you better mirror His Kingdom life in your own?

For me, I am seeking to trust God more by praying more.  It is an area in which I need to grow, as I trust myself too often and end up frustrated and distant from God.

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to an unexpected place and among humble men and women who were keen to recognize His Kingdom.  Give us eager hearts to repent and turn to You in faith.  Help us know You better this year and to leave behind those hindrances that have entangled us.  Form us more into the image of Your Son.  In Jesus's Name, amen.