Matthew 4:17

¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

In the above passage Jesus is telling the people to turn away from sin and turn back to God! For the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. It is a subtle warning to the Jews and as well as the gentiles to turn their hearts and lives from their wicked and sinful ways. Metanoia is a Greek word that is used to refer to the change of mind which is brought about in repentance. Repentance is necessary and valuable because it brings about change of mind or metanoia. This change of mind will make the changed person hate sin and love God. The two terms (repentance and metanoia) are often used interchangeably.

And in this context it involves orienting all of life, both thinking and behavior, around one ultimate reality: God now rules in the person of his Son, Jesus. He expects our lives in order, for God’s kingdom is approaching sooner than later. Only those who submit to God’s reign in advance will be ready when he comes to rule the whole world. Today, let us meditate on the word repent and examine ourselves to see if there’s still something that is holding us back from living free from sin. Let’s not look back but move forward and wait for the day of redemption. In Jesus name! Amen.

Maranatha!