Scripture
“The time has come”, he said. “the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.”

Observation
Jesus begins his preaching ministry proclaiming the Good News of God. He calls people to repent and believe that the kingdom of God is at hand,

He walks beside the Sea of Galilee where he sees Simon and Andrew casting a net. He commands (or invites) them to follow him. They do so,

The invitation is given also to James and John who likewise follow him.

Application
Jesus' message can be very perplexing to us as we read it through church eyes and a western mind-set.

The kingdom of God is near means that God is intervening in human affairs and exercising power in a way he has not done before.

Bishop Tom Wright points out that God's plan right from the beginning was to reign over the creation through people whose hearts were united with him.

Sin messed that up significantly. Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection dealt with sin and opened the way for people around the world to implement God's plans, God's values, God's ideals in a world previously traumatised by sin,

The requirement is that we:

1. Turn away from our self-centred living

2. Believe the Good News, receiving God's offer if amnesty for all sinners.

Prayer
Lord your kingdom us here. Use me today to transform a life or a people-group. Amen.