The Kingdom that begins with Lent also begins with blessing. There is the call to turn—repent!—which is Lent. There then comes a pronouncement: “Blessed!” Consider how stunning this is. When Jesus begins to teach about the Kingdom of God, the first word is “Blessed!” This is not what we expected, not from God almighty in …
Category Archives: Recent Preaching
Jesus’ Kingdom Begins with Lent!?
What kind of a kingdom begins with Lent? Well, a good and godly one. In fact, the gospel story begins with Jesus announcing the presence of God’s kingdom, and then proposing our proper response in “Lenten terms.” “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The kingdom of God is near! Repent …