Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23


Many of us have heard the phrase “the good news of Jesus Christ” so often that we don’t grasp how immensely wonderful it is.  Jesus’s good news is that He was bringing His kingdom to earth, and that this kingdom will transform hearts and political systems.  Eventually, He will reign over an everlasting kingdom in eternity. The Old Testament points toward a God who taught His people a better way to live, the way of shalom, which means “well being” or “wholeness”. Jesus appears in the New Testament as the embodiment of peace, representing all God is, bringing His peace to earth. The good news is that the peace and healing Jesus brings has the power to completely transform everyone and everything. This news is endlessly amazing. 

Our understanding of Jesus’ good news is often limited by what we need or care most about. We may come to Jesus because we need financial provision or healing, or because we’re concerned about the state of current events.  We can double down on a small focus, not realizing that this strategy takes us farther from Jesus and His renewing presence. We miss the good news of the kingdom when our focus is narrow. Jesus came to bring total transformation: 

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  Revelation 21:5


Transformed Hearts
Jesus’ good news is that anyone can become more and more like Him.  He opens the way for us by transforming our hearts:  

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

His  work may include physical and mental healing. It always includes transforming us into people who have the fruit of the spirit in our lives: love,  joy,  peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  Obeying the law is completely inadequate. Jesus wants to make us new from the inside out.  

 Transformed Political Systems
We are constantly being informed about the endless crisis and troubles in the world. It can be hard to live in the reality of the kingdom of God at the same time. It’s so good to remember that Jesus came to bring peace to political systems and that He is sovereign over all. When I’m feeling discouraged by the news, I take time to reflect on Jesus’ good news: 

 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.

They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2:4

 We can be part of bringing Jesus’ kingdom to the world around us. A focus only on improving political systems is inadequate. Jesus wants to transform us so our ultimate loyalty is to Christ and His kingdom:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21


Being a grassroots leader in my city has been an opportunity for me to serve the community.  I strive to treat volunteers, city staff, and elected officials the way Jesus treats me, regardless of outcomes. 

Transformed Environment
We live in such a beautiful world, but it’s sad to see how destructive people can be. We can have hope that Jesus has the power to heal and renew our environment. Sometimes I can long for unspoiled nature, like what existed in the Garden of Eden. The scriptures tell us that we can look forward to eternity in a renewed creation:

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
    the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2


In the meantime, I do what I can to be a good steward: I use my garden to grow food and pollinate friendly plants and advocate for open space in my city.

Application

Listen to this song and reflect on Jesus’ greatness.  What does it mean to be a citizen of Jesus’ heavenly kingdom?  Be open to His transforming power in your life. 

“Better” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgpvCVkrV6M

by Sherry Sommer

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