Did Jesus come so that He can bring us to His kingdom when we die? This was the gospel I received almost 30 years ago. But that time, I did not find this news completely good because it meant I would only be able to enjoy heaven after I die. In the meantime, as I wait, I will have to endure and, hopefully, survive the evil of this world.
But this changed when, in Bukidnon, I read Mark 1:15, where Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Isn't this different from what we normally hear people say, "Repent! Because the end is near!" Do you know that you will not find the last statement in the Bible?
If Mark 1:15 is correct, then it means that Jesus came to bring His kingdom near to us. He said it is "at hand" because He continues to give everyone a choice - to be part of it or not. If you seek it, His kingdom will bless and protect you. But if you reject His kingdom, you will have to deal with the evil in this world on your own.
Since the day I learned about Mark 1:15, I have been studying the laws of His kingdom and finding ways to apply them to my farm, in my business, and as I raise my family. Today, I can testify that the kingdom of God is really "at hand" and we do not have to die before we can enjoy it. However, according to Matthew 6:33, it can only bless and protect us if we seek it with righteousness. But what does it mean to be righteous? Deuteronomy 6:25 says, "It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the Lord our God, just as He commanded us."
As we remember how Jesus rose to overcome death and the devil, sana from now on you will live out the gospel He preached! May you enjoy the blessings of His kingdom even as you continue to stay here on earth.
