The Kingdom of Heaven is near

I have noticed that the Kingdom of God is an important New Testament theme. 

It is John the baptist's message, before Jesus came along, he was telling people to; 'repent for the kingdom of heaven is near' (matthew 3:2). John was the preparation for Jesus ministry. He prepared the way, and declared about this coming Kingdom. 

Think about it, if the kingdom of heaven is near, if the place where God dwells is coming close, that could be a pretty scary message and certainly requires urgent action! That's why John was stirring people up, he saw God was coming, and recognised that people had better do something about it! When you realise God is coming close, that demands action. 

When Jesus began to teach, he himself taught the same thing, 'the kingdom of heaven is near' (Matthew 4:17). The same message applies, God is coming! What are you doing about it? 

Jesus taught a lot about the kingdom of heaven. He gave us lots of images to show us what the kingdom of heaven is like (for example; a seed, feast, treasure). Jesus himself, the son of God told us at the kingdom of heaven is near, and attempted to describe what it's like. Even when Jesus was resurrected he still was; 'speaking about the kingdom of God.' 

Clearly, this message about the Kingdom of heaven is important. Jesus spent his time talking about it, John before him spoke about the kingdom of heaven being near, Jesus rose form the dead and talked about it. So, why are we not preoccupied with the kingdom of God but the kingdom of the world?

I want to encourage you to consider, today, that this message is no less urgent; 'the kingdom of heaven is near' - what are you going to do about it?