The Proclamation of the Kingdom

In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

– Matthew 3:1-2

For three millennia, Abraham’s descendants had wandered the desert, been enslaved by three different nations, pleased and offended God; all the while waiting for this moment. “The kingdom of God is at hand!” Amen, amen, amen.

Suffering at the hands of yet another line of oppressors, the people of Israel must have been elated to hear this news. People flocked to Jesus. The same is true today, more and more people are flocking to Jesus and His Church. His yoke is easy and the burden light.

God Most High, illuminate your Word so that we might grow closer to you. As the world around us tries to pull us away from you, we know that our only hope is in your arms. Amen.