REPENT! REPENTANCE!! How do those words strike you – positively or negatively?
Don’t know why it is, but for most people those words have a negative connotation! That’s tragic, because the core meaning of the words are not negative at all … in fact, at the beginning of this new year, they are really positive! In fact the words “resolution” or “a fresh start” would be terms that are close cousins.
In my Bible reading today, John the Baptist’s message was, “REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Now, believe me, “the kingdom of heaven” is certainly not a bad thing! In fact it is the sphere of God’s reign… it is characterized by righteousness, God’s exhibited power and blessing, peace and wholeness. Where the Living God reigns things are good and right – not marred by evil and sin! However, to live uninhibited in that domain things do have to change!
That’s why John’s challenge was… “REPENT”! … Prepare the way for the Lord!”
“Repentance, however, is not merely a change of mind, but a radical change in one’s life as a whole! It involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God.” Now that’s not negative – a “downer” – it’s really positive!! It prepares a person for living in the sphere where God reigns, leads, and blesses!
Just take it from me… I want to live in that sphere – that domain!! With God’s help, I’m going to seek to allow the Holy Spirit to identify anything in my life this year that hinders that sphere of power and blessing to be realized and CHANGE!! In other word’s … I’m going to REPENT! Hey, it’ll be good!! How about you?
Coffee With The Lord 