Go for it
by Pastor Tim Klein
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From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Matthew 4:17).
Read Matthew 4:12–17
After my ordination – in July 1991 – I was sent to serve in the mid-north parish of Clare-Blyth-Burra.
It was a bit like Jesus’ sending: ‘Tim, go and preach – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”’ I recall my trepidation at the time and my strong sense to be faithful to the Lord’s call on my life. I’ve now been preaching the kingdom for more than 30 years.
The message is still needed, not just for the listener, but also for me and you.
Repentance doesn’t sit easy. Who really wants to confess their sin – both the obvious and the hidden? But we need repentance every day. God wants us all to be safe and saved. You might say: ‘But I’m a faithful baptised person – I don’t need to repent.’ You might even say, ‘I’ve really got nothing to confess’.
But listen to what the Lord in Hebrews 4:12: ‘For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.’ Listen and know that he knows what we need to confess!
Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer has this word of confession: ‘And I pray that you would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong.’ Building this daily prayer into our lives is a good thing.
Jesus, John the Baptist, and all the prophets before us each called people back to the Lord. Ordained pastors everywhere continue to proclaim the presence of God’s kingdom. And the same call is on you and me. This is a simple task, really – to speak the truth we know and believe and testify to the presence of the Lord. God knows we miss many opportunities, and we can complicate it with our doubts and uncertainties. But he remains faithful to us, and his Spirit will always be ready to give us the words and actions we need to call people back to the Lord.
Don’t give up on your family, neighbours and friends. They need the assurance of salvation, and you are the one God has placed right there to bring his truth.
Dear Lord, when we struggle to find words and actions to proclaim your call to repentance and the presence of your kingdom, bless us with a calm and sure assurance so that we can faithfully serve you, our families, our neighbours and our friends with your truth. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand. Not retired but repurposed on 12 January, this husband of wife Joy, father of three and grandfather of 10 intends to spend more time in the garden, write some songs that have long lingered in his mind and heart and keep up with the activities of his grandchildren and friends. He also has several active beehives that need managing, with some still to be constructed and populated. Tim will continue his voluntary service as a chaplain with SA Police.
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