Becki joined me for an earlier walk/jog with the dogs. Now it’s already close to 11am. And my old man head is already feeling nappy! Not good. Especially when there is so much work out there yelling for my attention. Oh to be a mighty man of valor!—which would allow me to get a lot more done—and done right! On the other hand, I guess it will have to be enough to reckon with the blessed provision that, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:12-13).
I’m impressed with the continuity of the basic Gospel message that runs through the Matthew account. John the Baptist began his inspired preaching with, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (3:2). Then, following Jesus’ baptism and temptation, He began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (4:17). Now we have Jesus sending His disciples out on a special outreach campaign where He prescribes the main message they are to preach: “The kingdom of heaven is near” (10:7). Hmm. Do you think there might be something important here? If continuity is intended, is it not likely that “the Lord of the harvest” wills that this same Gospel mandate be at the center of modern day churches and ministries—those that represent the Biblical Jesus and the Biblical Gospel?
As I process this appeal against an overview of Biblical revelation, there seems to be a similarity to some contemporary marketing strategies. Perhaps we could word the Gospel deal something like this: “God is now inviting everyone everywhere to take advantage of free passage to heaven (eternal life) through the exclusive provision of Christ. But hurry! This is a limited time offer. There is a deadline (Pun intended—because once the line of death is crossed, one’s eternal destiny is settled—forever settled—and if this offer is not taken prior to that line, the kingdom of heaven will no longer be near, but very very far). You won’t want to pass up this offer! You can’t LIVE without it!”
“The kingdom of heaven is near.” How near? It is as near as my willingness to turn to God, repent of my sin, and choose to live for Him. It is as near as the end of my life—my last breath in the here and now—which could even be today—at least it can’t be very far away (…a matter of simple math when my current age is almost 79!). In this regard, I have absolutely nothing of lasting value to lose and everything to gain.
I admit that I struggle deeply over why in the world this amazing offer is so regularly and typically rejected by so many. Please join with me in this passion and struggle to faithfully represent and communicate the Biblical Gospel.