REPENT:
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea,
beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:12-17
REFLECTION:
I notice Him talking with a small gathering of people. As I watch it appears He listens more than speaks. He smiles and even laughs, which surprises me, knowing His friend John has been put in prison and given a death sentence.
Everybody’s saying they’d heard a voice from heaven speak to Him when He was with John at the Jordan, but then He was gone for a while. It’s good to see Him again. Maybe He’s smiling because He hears from heaven? What must that be like?
Last night I heard Him say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” “Repentance” is a tired word around here. But there’s something different about the way He says it and what His invitation holds. Unlike some of the religious people that pass by here, he’s not judging or demanding or exacting or demeaning. His very presence – it’s the peace that emanates, it invites more than mere law-keeping or religious observance. His is an invitation to something bigger, something wonderful, something so very present, but something I’ve never heard or seen, but can only imagine.
RESPOND:
- Where do you find yourself in the call to repentance?
- How might you partner with Jesus in calling others to repentance?
PRAYER:
Jesus, I hear you inviting me, again. Inviting me to turn fully into your ever-present love. I want to believe and receive, again. To know this life, to know this love, to know you. Give me the strength to move past the trappings of religion and usher me, afresh and anew, into relationship with you today.
