Repent!

 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:17 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.4.17.ESV

Repentance is religious jargon really that basically means to change our minds. Jesus was calling people to change their minds about what the Kingdom of heaven is. Its not a political entity.

Lots of Jews in Jesus's day were hoping for a political/military Messiah to kick out the Romans and to establish a new golden age of a Davidic Kingdom. Right from the outset, Jesus challenged people's assumptions about Him. The Kingdom of heaven transcends the kingdoms of the earth.

We might assume that we're alright as we are and that God will accept us regardless. Jesus is warning people to change their minds. We can come to God as we are. He doesn't leave us the same after an encounter with Him.

Repentance means to turn from our sinful rebellion against God and to trust in Jesus for salvation. To repent is to no longer be self-reliant. We are to become God-reliant.

'Our God and King, please help us to change our minds about You and to trust You for our acceptance into Your Kingdom. For Your glory we pray, amen'

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