1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Matthew 3: 1-2 KJV.

In this scripture, John is proclaiming divine truth (1) in the desert, a desolate (1) or joyless [definition of desolate (2)] wilderness of Judaea.  God’s divine truth [definition of preaching (1)] working through John’s preaching or proclamation is regarding “the kingdom of heaven” (v. 2).   The kingdom or the realm of heaven or as the abode of God (1) is in Christ’s hand or “possession or care” [definition of hand (2)].

John tells the joyless in Judaea to repent or to feel compunction (1).  Compunction or “remorse is an emotional expression of personal regret felt by a person after they have committed an act which they deem to be shameful, hurtful, or violent” (3).  We are to repent or reconsider (1) our bad behavior in order to abide in the kingdom or realm of heaven or as of the abode of God (1).

The “kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 2) so we are to abide in the “possession and care” [definition of hand (2)] which Christ offers to us as we read the Word daily, tithe, pray, fast, and meditate on the Word.  However, we are to repent or reconsider our self-righteousness behavior, and change that behavior to the behavior of a servant, helping our fellow man.

Christ leads, guides, and assists [definition of hand (2)] us while we are abiding in Him.  We must receive Christ in our hearts and in our meditations.  Christ’s hand provides, supplies, delivers, feeds, and gives (2) us His love as blessings as we abide in Him.

To God be the glory that Christ offers Himself, “the kingdom of heaven.”

(1) The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible by James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D.

(2) Merriam-Webster Dictionary

(3) Wikipedia