The kingdom of Jesus Messiah was announced with a call to repentance. This repentance not only was a call to turn from sin, it was also a call to change their mind about what the kingdom was. The Messiah was radically different than what they had expected. So was His kingdom. It would not come with human weapons of war nor a strong military. It would not come by taking charge of the politics of the day. Kingdom citizens would go out into the world to announce the good news that Jesus of Nazareth was God’s promised King for the whole earth. They would live this kingdom of peace with unconditional love, and humble service, while gladly risking their own death for the claim, “Jesus is Lord.”
Lead on, O King Eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy,
The heavenly kingdom comes.
-Ernest W. Shurtleff
