The Kingdom of Heaven: The Best News You’ll Hear Today

Matthew 4:17 tells us, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

That last phrase—“is at hand”—comes from a single Greek word, eggizó, which means to draw near. In Hebrews 7:19 and James 4:8, it carries the same weight: Come close. Step into fellowship. Enter into communion with God Himself.

This is stunning!
God isn’t merely gathering subjects—
He’s inviting people to be His family!

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus is announcing that the Father has set His plan in motion—calling men and women whose humbled, repentant hearts are ready to come close, to know Him deeply, and to trust His Son enough to let Him reign over their lives. And in that surrender, God promises something extraordinary: His protection, His guidance, and the very best life we could possibly live… a victorious life as His beloved children.

If people truly understood what happens when Jesus becomes their King, you couldn’t keep them away from His kingdom. God’s rule isn’t about domination or pressure. He doesn’t crush His people—He loves them.

His reign in us is shaped entirely by relentless, unstoppable love.

He knows we could never reach the glorious, soul-filling life He desires for us on our own. We aren’t strong enough, wise enough, or clear-sighted enough. To reach such a God-sized destiny. We need Christ within us—shaping our thoughts, directing our hearts, guiding our decisions.
We need a King.
And not just any King…we need a really good King.

As for me, I’m weary of chasing after selfish dreams and short-lived pleasures. After all these years, I’ve learned that the world’s applause, accomplishments, and entertainments leave you empty. They don’t satisfy. They never have.

But a life that carries eternal weight?
A life that echoes in heaven?
That kind of life is worth everything.

When I stand before Him one day, I long to hear my Father say, “Well done.” That’s why, from this day forward, I’m choosing to live with one simple, unwavering answer to my King:
“Yes, Lord.”

I hope you’ll choose the same path. There is no life more meaningful, more rewarding, or more breathtaking than the one lived under the loving reign of Jesus.

If you know of someone who would be blessed by this article, please share it with them.

Just a Follower of Jesus,

Alan W. Harris