The Kingdom of God is at Hand

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
Mark 1:14–20

What is the best news you have ever received?

• a child is on the way
• the test for cancer came back negative
• you got the job

Good news evokes joy and celebration. Unless you cannot see how the news is good.

Jesus comes with good news, but he knows the world won't see it that way. His good news has the potential to cause disappointment, apathy, and even anger. Proclaiming, "The kingdom of God is at hand!" is not heard as good news to those who are born as rebels, because it challenges our desire for self-governance. Every human being since Adam: you, me, everyone you have ever met, and all the people you will never meet believe this lie: that no one else is better suited to rule over their lives than themselves. Jesus' "good news" about the kingdom of God draws this lie out of the shadows, and threatens to dethrone our self-rule. Even those who’d been taught about God’s kingdom–and were waiting for it–wanted to define for God how his kingdom should look. 

• Overthrow the Romans? Absolutely, let’s roll.
• Love my enemies? Wait. What?!

Everyone likes the absolution (forgiveness) of their own sin. But will you repent–turn your back to–that sin and bow the knee to King Jesus? The gospel will never be good news until you stop trying to be your own king–removing the shackles you’ve placed on God’s work in your life. That is why Jesus follows his proclamation of good news with, "Repent and believe in the gospel." The good news leads to joy only when you have a change in heart about who is best suited to rule. Where do you still want to play king? Repent and believe the gospel.