The Kingdom of God: Change with Purpose
Some things change, but some things stay the same. Recently, I wrote about the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, and I gave some personal context about the time this summer when my role as president ends and my successor begins her responsibilities as the new leader of Point University.
Over the last couple of weeks, both Dr. Bartlett and I have fielded questions about the future. What will change? and what will stay the same? tended to be the most asked questions. It has been my observation throughout my career in ministry, mental health, business, and education that generally, people prefer minimal change. We get comfortable with our routines and daily rhythms, and when anyone suggests a change, we tend to resist.
Following the life of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, we quickly realize in just the first four chapters that even though Jesus is the Son of God,the fact that he came to earth and took on flesh meant that his life would be filled with change, temptations, and transitions. For instance,Jesus was born in Bethlehem, moved with his family to Egypt for a couple of years, then to Nazareth, and in Matthew 4 he moved to Capernaum. I imagine many of you have moved around sometimes because of a parent’s job change and sometimes because it was clear that God was calling you to a new location. God has always used geography as a part of expanding the kingdom of God.
When John the Baptist was arrested, Matthew tells us that Jesus withdrew into Galilee. But his relocation did not change his purpose. Just as John the Baptist had preached a message of repentance, Jesus began to preach the same message in Capernaum: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
As Jesus preached the message of repentance, just as John the Baptist had done, he also began to call his disciples to follow him. As he called his first disciples, it was clear that repentance meant a change of focus: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” If we choose to follow Jesus, then some things will have to change. We will have to consider that following Jesus means that we must align our purposes and our actions with the ways of his kingdom instead of by our preferences.
As people who choose to follow King Jesus, we often find ourselves being presented with choices concerning what to do with our resources, our relationships, and with our attitudes. On our best days those choices will seem natural and flow out of our intimacy with God, but on other days the Holy Spirit may nudge us towardsrepentance and realignment with the kingdom of God.
Father, as we begin this day, we pray that you would show us what needs to change in our hearts and minds so that we are focused on your kingdom. Today, we declare that you are King of kings, and we want to follow you wherever you lead us. Fill us with the joy that comes with and through obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 4:12-25
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich
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