When the Kingdom Comes Near

A reading for Monday, April 27, 2020: Matthew 3:1-6.

"In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 

'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

In the ancient world, often when the kingdom of an invading army came near it meant very bad news. People died, property was destroyed, and even families were sometimes separated one from another. If someone stood at the city gates and began to proclaim that the kingdom of the Babylonians or the Romans was coming near, it could mean panic and hiding. It was bad news.

However, when the Kingdom of Heaven comes near things are very different. People live, blessings abound and love conquers every obstacle. John the Baptist appeared in the middle of nowhere to proclaim that a new Kingdom was coming near to the people. It would be unlike anything they had ever experienced. Jesus came to bring the people the Kingdom of God. That was very good news.

It still is... Thank you Jesus for the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives!