According to the four Gospel writers, Jesus’ public ministry began with the appearance of John the Baptist, prophet extraordinaire, who called for Israel’s leaders and her people to turn from their self-centered ways and toward the God of their forefathers. John’s message was simple and direct: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). Notice, first John called upon his audience to do something: “Repent!” They were to obey this command then and there without delay. Thus the message was relevant for them. Second, John gave them a reason for this action: “for (because) the kingdom of God is at hand.” He did not say, “The Kingdom of God is 2,000 years away” or “The kingdom is being delayed indefinitely.” Yet, many popular Bible teachers and commentaries hold that the kingdom is entirely in the future. If that were the case, John missed the mark by a county mile and his message had no application for his audience. What do you think?