Matthew 4:17(KJV) tells us, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This verse allows us to expand our knowledge of an extremely important truth. It is the reality that the focus of this message in which our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, began and continued to preach is to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. This was a revolutionary message for the days in which he walked upon this earth, and it is just as profound today. As human beings, we call this earth home, but the message that Jesus Christ teaches reminds us that this earth belongs to the King. It is in transition, just as we, ourselves, are in transition. We all know we’re only here for a short period of time, and if the Lord should tarry, everything that God has purposed us to do on earth must be fulfilled in the time that we’re here.
Jesus Christ commanded that people must repent. To repent is to have a change of heart and mind. This was a captivating message for many living in his time, but it was also very curious. Like many individuals living in our day and time, people had routines. The difference is that routines for those living in biblical times were incredibly challenging and often required very hard labor in order to survive. Taking the time to think about anything out of the box wasn’t high on their priority list. They were simply trying to get through their days.
These folks knew about kingdoms. They knew about hierarchy, power, taxes, and brutality. Many of them were oppressed, not just with hard labor or various illnesses and diseases, but they were under the strict rule and tyranny of the government that was in power. Worst of all, they were slaves in satan’s kingdom of darkness. The message of the Gospel that Jesus Christ preached woke many of them up. It caused them to have hope and to come into their true identity. Through the message of the Gospel, Jesus taught people that they could get back their spiritual connection to Heavenly Father. He taught them that they were citizens of a Kingdom that allowed them to walk with power, strength, and love in their everyday lives.
If a person has never known powerlessness, the message of the Gospel might not be as impactful to them. But for those who feel as though they are under a mountain of problems and no solution seems to put a dent in what they’re going through, the Gospel is miraculously transformative. It is power, and if we accept it into our hearts and minds, we are forever changed. Jesus Christ is the door to God’s Kingdom. Never had the Kingdom of Heaven been brought to the earth as it was in the physical presence of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist had fulfilled his purpose in preparing the way for Christ. John closed an era; Jesus Christ began a new one. Mark 1:14:15(NLT) tells us, “14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Our Lord and Savior promised to give us the power to walk in his Kingdom while we’re still living here on earth. In Matthew 16:19(NLT), he said, “And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” This is incredible, but many people, including believers, will not acknowledge and accept the keys that Christ has placed in their hands. The power of the Kingdom of God has no equal, and our blessed Lord and Savior has given the born-again believer access to it.
Jesus Christ said in Luke 12:32(NLT), “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Our Heavenly Father delights in sharing His Kingdom with us. We represent His Kingdom as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, but too many of us have forgotten our crowns. We have neglected the culture of faith and love. Some of us have underestimated the power of our King and turned our backs on His sovereignty.
You can’t get into the Kingdom without a crown, and you can’t have a crown without following the Way of Christ. It’s a crown of service, humility, love, and faith. It’s one of total allegiance to God through Jesus Christ. We forget that all the rights and privileges that come with the Kingdom require that we put the King and His interests first. Jesus Christ teaches us in Matthew 6:33(NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” This is God’s guarantee. Numbers 23:19(NLT) declares, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” We can rely on His Word without fail. When we take care of God’s business, He promises to take care of ours.
We live on earth, and there’s another kingdom that has dominion here, and it is the kingdom of darkness, ruled by satan. But 1John 4:4(NLT) declares, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” As ambassadors of Christ, we can affirm our Kingdom citizenship, and we can affirm our love for the King with every choice we make. 1Corinthians 4:20(NLT) tells us, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” We are children of the Most High God. This is a distinction that isn’t based on empty talk. It’s a distinction of power and authority given to us by God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us put on the crown we have been so generously provided and do all we can to come into agreement with the plan and purpose of our King.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Have You Forgotten Your Crown?” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!