The kingdom is near
Day 436, Tuesday, Oct. 21
Matthew Chapters 3 – 4
Two verses of today’s reading—3:2 and 4:17—contain exactly the same sentence: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” In the first instance it’s the essence of John’s message; in the second instance it’s the essence of Jesus’s message.
This is one of many reminders in scripture that while the Bible’s story moves forward, it doesn’t change in its fundamental message. From Genesis through Revelation and everything in between it is the story of God creating his people and forming a loving relationship with them.
John was sent to bear witness to Jesus, and Jesus was sent to bear witness to God. Both proclaimed the good news that the kingdom of God that the Jews has been looking for over the centuries was finally at hand.
When Jesus first begins to preach, he quotes the prophet Isaiah in saying, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
If you’re ever outside at the break of dawn you realize how hard it is to tell exactly when dawn happens. It’s dark—and then it’s not. The change is both momentous and imperceptible.
When did the good news come into the world? Was it when Mary conceived or when Jesus was born? Was it when Jesus was baptized or when he began preaching?
It’s hard to say—but it changed everything.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Tuesday meditation

Psalms 14:1-7
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Prayer focus
God, were you born in our hearts before our birth or when we finally acknowledged you? We can’t ever know for sure, but we are grateful you found us.