Matthew 3:1,2
‘Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”‘
There was something unique about John. Part of it was his clothes and lifestyle, but more of it was his conviction, his message and delivery. He ended up having quite a following. His message was simple, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” No one wants to die and go to hell. Most say (or think), I’ll deal with this when I’m older. For most, they rarely do. John is bringing this into their present and people are responding and turning to God.
Jesus did say during His time on earth that He would return soon. Most interpreted that to be years or decades. But even centuries after Christ, God kept things vague so many generations thought theirs would be the end. I came to Christ in the late seventies. In the eighties many thought He would return then. Many came to Christ. My present era (2024) seems like we’re there again. Many could see Christ come soon. Things are declining rapidly.
It’s the genius of God that most eras think He’s coming in their time. It’s a combination of the vagueness of scripture mixed with the happenings of each time and our concern about our souls.
The book of Revelation promises a blessing if read and believed. That’s because it puts all of the end times happenings into our present. We tend to draw nigh to God when we think that way. We are blessed when we do so.
John the baptist was bringing all the thoughts of God and His kingdom to the present. Many were coming to God. John message wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t what they thought. The world wasn’t ending and they weren’t to face judgment soon. The kingdom of heaven was refering to Jesus’ coming. He is God and He was opening up a way to God. Thus bringing the kingdom to them.
Unfortunately the religious leaders didn’t believe John’s message. Luke 20:3-8 shows this, ‘But He replied to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me: Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” They discussed among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, since they are convinced that John was a prophet.” And so they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.”’
Most on the upper end of societies are hardened to God and His message. Much of it is due to their pride. God hates pride; the proud have a blindness. Romans 1 speaks of how those who knew God, but didn’t glorify Him as God were susceptible to error in logic and thinking. Yes, the pharisees believed in God, but they weren’t open to Jesus, God’s messiah, thus they open to error. Thessalonians calls it a deluding influence.
Those on the upper end of society aren’t poor in spirit. They aren’t poor nor are they poor in spirit. To follow the beatitude, then they won’t have the kingdom of heaven. All the religious leaders of Johns day who didn’t believe in him have cut themselves off.
Lord, help us to have open hearts. Help us to feel the sway of Your Spirit and respond accordingly. Help us not to be arrogant and cut ourselves off.