Matthew’s gospel uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” many times. It serves to remind us that, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). Jesus earthly ministry was accomplished by the authority of the Father’s eternal throne in heaven, he was fully obedient to the One who was and is in charge of all things. Despite the centuries of suffering under brutal foreign powers, despite the pain and suffering of the world, Jesus came to proclaim “the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matt. 4:17). A common alternate translation says the kingdom of heaven “is at hand” – within your reach. This is still true today. God has crossed the great divide into our world and has come near – so close that we may reach out and take hold of all that he offers us in His Kingdom.
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