What Is the Kingdom of God?
Scripture Reading — Mark 1:1-15
“The time has come…the kingdom of God has come near.”
When Jesus launched his ministry, he announced: “The time has come. . . . The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” It is hard to overstate how startling and even dangerous this moment was.
In Jesus’ day, people were often reminded (brutally) that there was one kingdom—Rome—and there was one king—Caesar. And whenever a new Roman emperor rose to the throne, messengers were sent throughout the empire to announce it, calling it “good news.”
So here was Jesus, declaring with boldness, “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” We can see why this was a radical and politically dangerous message. But for the people who heard it, it really was good news. As they would soon discover, Jesus did not come to topple Rome but to usher in the kingdom of God, which is not of this world but nevertheless rules over it. This kingdom is characterized by love, mercy, forgiveness, new beginnings, and service. To follow Jesus is to become a citizen of God’s eternal kingdom.
This good news is just as countercultural today as when Jesus first announced it. And this is the message we get to proclaim in his name: Jesus, the King, has come, bringing new life in his name! He holds this world in his hands! Come and follow him!
Lord Jesus, may I receive your good news with fresh ears today. Thank you for inviting me into your kingdom! Amen.
About the author — Kevin DeRaaf
Kevin DeRaaf is the director of Resonate Global Mission, the Christian Reformed mission agency working in more than 40 countries around the world. With a focus on encouraging others to join in God’s mission where they are, Kevin believes that God’s purpose for the local church is to shine as a community of love and grace, showing in tangible ways that Jesus is the hope of the world. He and his wife, Jacquie, have three children and four grandchildren and live in Burlington, Ontario.
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