Change Your Hearts and Lives

The beginning of the gospel

You really can’t dabble around the edges and expect to grasp the fullness of the gospel.

John the Baptist’s message is strikingly consistent in every gospel—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John: things must change.

But the change he calls for is not in the world first—it’s in us. The kingdom of heaven already exists. It’s not something we bring about or create. It’s something that draws near—and we are invited to change our lives so that we can enter it, participate in it, live in step with it.

In Matthew especially, the proximity of the kingdom is paramount. Jesus is the King of this kingdom, and his movement toward people—his nearness—is the “at-handness” of the kingdom. When John says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” he means that it’s close enough to touch—but it will require everything.

It’s not automatic. It’s not cultural Christianity or a casual association. It’s personal. It’s disruptive. And it will not just happen to you. You must respond.

Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said:

The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”

John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire. I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.”

Psalm 25:4–5, 8–9

Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth—teach it to me—because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long.

The Lord is good and does the right thing; he teaches sinners which way they should go. God guides the weak to justice, teaching them his way.

Prayer

God,

It’s Monday. A new work week. Thank you for yesterday—Sunday—but now help me as I seek to put flesh on the Word received yesterday. Make your Spirit to continue to speak in me and through my life.

Lord, help me know your kingdom’s nearness today. For myself and for the things around me. Much of what’s going on seems so far from the kingdom of heaven. Yet you sent Jesus to make it known and near. So do it in me.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.