Matthew 4:17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Repent – what does that word mean to you? In my mind it is normally associated with sin and confession. However in it’s original context it meant something wider. It is from the greek metanoeō to change one’s mind or purpose. The Amplified Bible renders this passage as: “Repent ( change your mind for the better, …), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repentance is not just about sin and turning from the bad things in our lives. It is about a reorientation of our mindset to realise that God’s Kingdom is at hand. The Kingdom of God is so close we can touch it, feel it and live in it today. But to do so we need to train our minds to be aware of it. Today all the resources, power, love, joy peace and goodness of God in His Kingdom are open to us if we will reach out our hands to embrace them.