The Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand

by Mitchell Tan
March 17, 2022

THE SPIRITUAL WILDERNESS THAT JOHN WAS PREACHING IN

John the Baptizer’s location of ministry was situated in the wilderness of Judea. It was there that he started preaching the word of God to people.

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea”
Matthew 3:1

There was a reason why he ministered in such barrenness. It was symbolic of the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel. There was much spiritual dryness and emptiness in the souls of the people. The nation of Israel was in darkness and in sin. There was a need for them to find forgiveness and cleansing. It was in the midst of the wilderness that John started preaching the word.

PREACHING THE MESSAGE OF THE KINGDON OF GOD

“Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!”
Matthew 3:2

John’s message to the people was on the kingdom of God.

1. THE PROPHETIC WORD CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

It was prophesied by Daniel that there will come a divine kingdom where there is no end. The Son of Man was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). It will be an everlasting kingdom that He would reign in.

2. THE PROXIMITY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

One aspect of this eternal kingdom is that it is an invisible spiritual kingdom. Anyone can gain entrance into this kingdom. John was preaching that this eternal kingdom of God was “very near” them. He sought to bring this message with a deep sense of urgency. It was now the time for people to believe in the Lord and to be part of His kingdom. The way to enter into it was to repent from their sins. True repentance is about having a deep sense of regret concerning sin. Furthermore, the people were to bear fruits worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8).

STRAIGHTENING THE WAY FOR THE LORD JESUS

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His path straight.”’”
Matthew 3:3

1. PERSONAL HUMILITY IN PREACHING

When John preached in the wilderness, he was most humble in his approach to ministry. He was fulfilling this prophetic word concerning him being only a voice in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3-5). He was to be the “forerunner” who runs ahead of the king to prepare the villages to receive him.

2. PREPARING THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE FOR THE LORD

John was going to “straighten the path” to the hearts of the people for the Lord Jesus. Those who were proud would be brought low. Those who were lowly in life would be encouraged and uplifted. Those who were crooked were to be made straight. Peoples’ hearts would be more ready to listen to the Lord Jesus and His word and respond appropriately. John’s ministry was pointing people to faith in the Messianic King. It was the Lord Jesus who would give them eternal life. The focus of his message to the people was the Lord Jesus as the divine King and they can be part of His kingdom.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. FOR SEEKERS

The kingdom of God is at hand. The time to believe in the Lord Jesus is now. Let’s repent from our sins and seek to be part of the kingdom of God. Let’s seek to know the Lord Jesus and believe in Him till we are fully assured of our place in heaven.

2. FOR BELIEVERS

There are so many people in this world who still do not have faith in Him. Let’s seek to be courageous in the sharing of our faith to non-believers. Let’s speak of the kingdom of God to our loved ones and our friends who still do not know the Lord with a sense of urgency.

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