1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:1-2 – NIV)
I always find it hard to relate repentance to the kingdom of heaven. I understand that Christian faith is about reconciliation, reconciling the relationship with God as well as with others. And reconciliation begins with the heart to repent, repenting from what I have done wrong and repenting from walking a wrong direction. But what this has to do with the kingdom of heaven, which is coming near? While I keep thinking about the significance of the kingdom of heaven, I start to realize the more I believe in the kingdom of heaven is near, the way I live my life has changed. Kingdom of heaven resembles the sovereignty of God. When I believe the kingdom of heaven is near, I am having the awareness that God is in control of this world more and more each and every day. When I start having this realization, I am more willing to give up my personal desires, my personal philosophy about life, and my personal way of living. As a result, it is easier to live a God-directed life.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2)
