The Importance of Repentance

Readings for today: 2 Corinthians 7-8, Psalms 2

John the Baptist came preaching a message of repentance. Jesus came preaching a message of repentance. Paul traveled all over the known world at the time preaching a message of repentance. Clearly “repentance” lies at the heart of the Christian faith. But what is repentance? Is it simply saying sorry to God? An existential feeling of guilt or condemnation? A deep sense that we are wrong? And how does one actually “repent?” Kneel in sackcloth and ashes? Engage in self-harm like the monks of old? Beat oneself up emotionally and spiritually? Subject oneself to rigorous, daily self-examination?

I love how Paul describes repentance in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” The key to repentance is the fruit it produces in a person’s life. If your grief - as deep and profound as it may be - produces death it is not from God. On the other hand, if your grief leads to salvation without regret then you can be sure it is from the Lord.

I cannot tell you the number of times I have counseled someone whose grief only produced death. They were sorry they got caught. Sorry for the mess they found themselves in. Sorry for the way life turned out. Sorry for the bad choices they made. But they weren’t sorry enough to make a change. Their sorrow did not lead to repentance. It did not lead to surrender. It did not lead to submission. They still wanted control. Still wanted to be in charge. Still wanted to justify themselves. So we’d scratch the surface of their grief only to find excuses. Blame-shifting. Denial. As a result, their lives seemed perpetually locked in a death spiral.

At the same time, I have had the joy of walking with people through their grief as it produced salvation. Their sorrow was less about them and more about God. They had come face to face with the depth of their sin. The depth of their depravity. They realized no matter how hard they tried, they simply didn’t have it in them to make things right. In their despair, they cast themselves at the foot of the cross where they found freedom and healing. Hope for their journey. And all their regrets. All the guilt from past mistakes. All the shame they carried was washed away. They fixed their eyes on Christ. They surrendered to His love. Submitted to His will. Gave Him control over their lives. Scratch the surface of their grief and you find beauty. Joy. Peace. And they enter a virtuous cycle of living that leads to fulfillment and true happiness.

Where do you find yourself this morning? When confronted by the Spirit over mistakes you have made. Sins you have committed. Ways you have fallen short and let people down. How do you respond? Is your grief grounded in Christ or in the world? Does your repentance lead to a changed life or are you still holding onto past regrets? Let me encourage you to let go of the death-dealing ways of this world so that you may receive the life-giving Spirit of Christ.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 9-10, Psalms 3

The Surprising Impact of Repentance

Readings for today: Jeremiah 4-6, Psalms 14

What’s your first thought when you hear the word, “repentance?” I bet it has something to do with personal confession. Asking for forgiveness. Saying you are sorry for something you have done. Feeling bad about a sin you committed. Something like that. Certainly there is an aspect to repentance that is personal. It definitely involves sorrow over sin and asking for forgiveness and confession to God or to those we’ve hurt along the way. It also takes the next step to effect a change in behavior. You may have heard the word literally means “turn around.” Make a U-turn. Go the opposite way. Refuse to continue walking in the path of sinners. I love all of this about repentance but Jeremiah introduces yet another aspect to it in our reading today. The impact of repentance on others.

“If you return, Israel — this is the Lord’s declaration — you will return to me, if you remove your abhorrent idols from my presence and do not waver, then you can swear, “As the Lord lives,” in truth, justice, and righteousness, and then the nations will be blessed by him and will boast in him.” (Jeremiah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CSB) Israel’s “return” is another way of calling Israel to “repent.” They have wandered far from the Lord and He is calling them back home through the prophet Jeremiah. As if to sweeten the deal, God makes Israel a promise. If they return in faith to God, if they will return in truth and justice and righteousness, then God will use their repentance to bless the nations surrounding them and they, in turn, will also come to saving faith. The point God is trying to make here is that repentance is a powerful witness. It’s a demonstration of the grace of God in action. It shows the world what true, humble faith looks like and it is incredibly compelling.

As a pastor, I’ve been given the opportunity to speak across the nation and around the world. One of the things I always do when I am speaking to a new group of people is share my testimony. I want them to know a bit of my story and I always make sure to share the many times God has called me to repentance. The response I get when I share openly and vulnerably about my own struggles with sin is powerful. People feel drawn to those who are authentic and humble and who don’t pretend to have all the answers. Repentance opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. It softens hearts. It draws people in rather than push them away. It levels the playing field. It’s almost like God has hard-wired human beings to respond to it.

When was the last time you shared your testimony? Openly? Honestly? Authentically? When was the last time you were vulnerable with another person about your own struggles with sin and how the Holy Spirit has helped you along the way? Have you ever shared your story with another person? Friends, sharing about our struggles isn’t embarrassing or shameful if it points people to Christ. Sharing about the difficulties we’ve had in life or our “thorns in the flesh” and how God has met us and sustained us and transformed us along the way gives people hope that it can happen to them. Humbling ourselves, confessing our sin, and asking for forgiveness builds deep intimacy as we relate to other people which makes sharing our faith even more compelling and profound. Let me encourage you to begin sharing your story with others today!

Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 7-9, Psalms 15

Repentance

Readings for today: Hosea 6-10, Psalms 123

I’m convinced there comes a time - or maybe multiple times - in a person’s life where they realize their resources are played out. All their strength and wisdom and wealth and power simply are not enough to meet the demands of the moment. I think of a friend of mine who passed away a few years ago. He was the very definition of a “self-made” man. He came from a challenging background. His family was dysfunctional and abusive on so many levels. He worked hard to build a company from the ground up. He was extremely successful and ended up selling it for millions. He traveled the world and had all kinds of “once in a lifetime” experiences. He met all kinds of amazing people along the way. And yet, he had broken relationships with both his kids. Sadly, the patterns of abuse from his family were perpetuated through him. He was a high functioning alcoholic who often verbally assaulted those around him. As he lay dying from complications from the multiple health issues derived from his hedonistic lifestyle, I had the opportunity to share Christ with him. To talk to him about how the life he had worked so hard to build had come crashing down around him and though he lived in a huge home with all the material possessions one could ever want, his resources were simply not enough to save him.

How many of us have come to the same place in our own lives? I remember getting to this place in college when the life I had so carefully constructed came down around me. The facade I projected to the world of self-confidence was really a cover for deep insecurity. All my achievements up to that point were attempts to distract people from what was really happening inside. I was a mess. As smart as I was and as strong as I was and as successful as I was, I was losing ground in a hurry. My life headed on the fast track to nowhere. That’s when I met Christ and turned to Him. In our passage today, Hosea looks forward to the day when Israel will return to the Lord. Listen to his words again from Hosea 6:1-3 CSB…

“Come, let’s return to the Lord. For he has torn us, and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds. He will revive us after two days, and on the third day he will raise us up so we can live in his presence. Let’s strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.”

Come, let’s return to God. Such beautiful words. They represent the very definition of “repentance.” All of us have wandered and gone astray. All of us seek our own way. All of us do what is right in our own eyes. And where does it lead us? Into cul-de-sacs of pain and heartbreak. When we place “Self” on the throne of our lives, we find our appetites insatiable. Our desires uncontrollable. Our passions unquenchable. The result is oppression. Bondage. Slavery. God wants to set us free from “Self” but the only way that happens is if we turn to Him. We must dethrone “Self” and enthrone God if we want to experience the freedom and peace and joy He promises. This is why the Father sent His only Son. To show us the way back home to Him. He didn’t want to leave us wandering in the darkness. He didn’t want to abandon us to our fates. He refused to rely on random chance or wishful thinking to reclaim His wayward children. Like a good shepherd, He pursued us and pursues us until He finds us and embraces us.

Readings for tomorrow: Hosea 11-14, Psalms 124

Turning to God

Readings for today: Hosea 6-9

I’m convinced there comes a time - or maybe multiple times - in a person’s life where they realize their resources are played out. All their strength and wisdom and wealth and power simply are not enough to meet the demands of the moment. I think of a friend of mine who passed away a few years ago. He was the very definition of a “self-made” man. He came from a challenging background. His family was dysfunctional and abusive on so many levels. He worked hard to build a company from the ground up. He was extremely successful and ended up selling it for millions. He traveled the world and had all kinds of “once in a lifetime” experiences. He met all kinds of amazing people along the way. And yet, he had broken relationships with both his kids. Sadly, the patterns of abuse from his family were perpetuated through him. He was a high functioning alcoholic who often verbally assaulted those around him. As he lay dying from complications from the multiple health issues derived from his hedonistic lifestyle, I had the opportunity to share Christ with him. To talk to him about how the life he had worked so hard to build had come crashing down around him and though he lived in a huge home with all the material possessions one could ever want, his resources were simply not enough to save him.

How many of us have come to the same place in our own lives? I remember getting to this place in college when the life I had so carefully constructed came down around me. The facade I projected to the world of self-confidence was really a cover for deep insecurity. All my achievements up to that point were attempts to distract people from what was really happening inside. I was a mess. As smart as I was and as strong as I was and as successful as I was, I was losing ground in a hurry. My life headed on the fast track to nowhere. That’s when I met Christ and turned to Him. In our passage today, Hosea looks forward to the day when Israel will return to the Lord. Listen to his words again from Hosea 6:1-3 MSG…

“Come on, let’s go back to God. He hurt us, but he’ll heal us. He hit us hard, but he’ll put us right again. In a couple of days we’ll feel better. By the third day he’ll have made us brand-new, Alive and on our feet, fit to face him. We’re ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge. As sure as dawn breaks, so sure is his daily arrival. He comes as rain comes, as spring rain refreshing the ground.”

Come on, let’s go back to God. Such beautiful words. They represent the very definition of “repentance.” All of us have wandered and gone astray. All of us seek our own way. All of us do what is right in our own eyes. And where does it lead us? Into cul-de-sacs of pain and heartbreak. When we place “Self” on the throne of our lives, we find our appetites insatiable. Our desires uncontrollable. Our passions unquenchable. The result is oppression. Bondage. Slavery. God wants to set us free from “Self” but the only way that happens is if we turn to Him. We must dethrone “Self” and enthrone God if we want to experience the freedom and peace and joy He promises. This is why the Father sent His only Son. To show us the way back home to Him. He didn’t want to leave us wandering in the darkness. He didn’t want to abandon us to our fates. He refused to rely on random chance or wishful thinking to reclaim His wayward children. Like a good shepherd, He pursued us and pursues us until He finds us and embraces us. Stop running. Stop hiding. Turn to God today.

Readings for tomorrow: Hosea 10-14

Repentance

Readings for today: Genesis 44-46

Repentance is an important word in the Bible. It was central to the preaching ministry of Jesus. “Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand.” It is central to the lives of many saints in both Old and New Testaments. It was the sign of salvation for them. Literally, the word “repentance” means to make a 180 degree turn in one’s life. It means turning around and walking in a new direction. Instead of running from God, one now seeks after God. Instead of striving to be our own gods, we surrender our lives back to God. It is far more than simply feeling sorry for our sin. It is far more than regret over what we have said or done. It is definitely more than the shame we feel when we get caught. It signals change at a fundamental, heart level and it results in new attitudes and actions in our lives.

In today’s reading, Judah models repentance. The first time he appears on the scene in the story, he is conspiring with his brothers to kill Joseph. He is bitter and angry at his prideful little brother and wants to get rid of him. After beating his brother and throwing him into a cistern, it is Judah who comes up with the idea of trafficking Joseph to some Midianite traders on their way to Egypt. Why kill him when you can make a profit? Now here we are many years later and it is Judah who offers his own life in exchange for Benjamin. It is Judah who pulls Joseph aside and intercedes on behalf of his family. It is Judah who offers to traffic himself and remain a slave so that Benjamin and the rest of his brothers can go free. What a turnaround! No wonder Joseph couldn’t control himself at that moment!

As a pastor, I’ve had the blessing of watching many people repent of their sin and come to faith. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life. I have seen marriages and families healed. Addicts delivered. The greedy become generous. The selfish become selfless. The prideful become humble. It’s truly awesome to witness. As a person, I’ve had to engage in the process of repentance myself. It is humbling to sit under the ministry of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to do His sanctifying, purifying work. I’ve become a more selfless, generous, and humble person…though I still have so far to go. I’ve given up my own addictions and compulsions. I’ve seen my own marriage and family be healed as I gave up my former ways and started walking in the newness of life Christ promises to those who place their trust in Him.

What about you? Where do you find yourself today? In what areas of your life is God calling you to repent? To turn around and start walking in a different direction so that you might become a different person? What holds you back? Would it change anything if you knew that all of heaven rejoices every time a sinner repents? Don’t you want to experience the joy of heaven in your life today?

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 47-50

U-Turn

Readings for today: Genesis 44-46

Father, open my eyes of my heart that I might see what You would have me see, learn what You would have me learn, and apply to my life the eternal principles You have revealed through Your Word. 

Repentance is a deeply biblical concept. It literally means making a 180 degree turn in life. It requires a change of heart. It results in different decisions. Different behaviors. Different actions. When I read this passage today, I see repentance in Judah. Here’s the man who first suggested they sell Joseph into slavery. In a very real way, he is responsible for all the hardship and suffering and pain in Joseph’s life. Sure, one might argue Judah at least saved Joseph from being killed by his brothers which was the original plan but slavery might be a fate worse than death. And before we give him any credit, it’s entirely possible he was motivated by financial gain rather than any altruistic feelings for his brother. As time went on, Judah experienced his own pain. Two of his own sons died and I wonder if this changed him? Is it possible he began to empathize with his father and the grief and loss he suffered when they told him Joseph had been killed? Is it possible he began to look back and reflect on what he had done to his brother and regret the actions he took that day? Clearly something has happened to Judah. He is not the same man he once was for when Joseph seeks to detain Benjamin, Judah literally offers up his own life as an exchange. He repents. He makes a 180 degree turn. He does what he should have done all those years ago. 

For years, I struggled with anger. Those closest to me would often bear the brunt of my outbursts. Sure, I could justify my feelings with all sorts of reasons. It’s not like I would fly off the handle for no reason. But the damage I did was significant. Finally, a counselor confronted me. He looked me in the eye and asked, “Doug, has anything good ever come from your anger? Does it get you closer or further away from your goals? Does it actually achieve the ends you’re shooting for? How’s it actually working for you?” I had no answers. Actually I did. I knew this counselor was correct. I justified my anger. I considered it righteous. I felt it necessary to get my point across. To demonstrate my seriousness. I wanted my children primarily to understand how much it hurt when they lied or shirked responsibility or broke the rules we had set for our home. Somewhere down deep, I felt anger was necessary to hold them accountable. I was believing a lie. James 1:20 says, “The anger of man doesn’t bring about the righteousness of God.” What I wanted more than anything else was for my family to be righteous. I wanted my children to be righteous so when the counselor confronted me with those questions, I knew something had to change. I knew I had to change. I needed to repent and ask for forgiveness. Life in our home is much different now. Sure, my kids still press my buttons from time to time. It’s not like my teenagers have suddenly become angels. ;-) At the same time, I am a different person. God has transformed my heart. Anger is no longer my primary response. In fact, it is a very rare occurrence. My relationships with my kids has never been better and I am thankful for the grace they have shown me. I am just a broken man and a broken dad trying my best to follow Jesus. 

What about you? Where is God calling you to repentance in your life? What relationships are broken and in need of restoration? Are you willing to let God do the deep work in your heart and soul to bring you to a different place? To make you a different person? 

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 47-50