From
that time Jesus began to
preach,
saying, “Repent, for the
kingdom
of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17 ESV
The
times of ignorance God
overlooked,
but now he commands
all
people everywhere to repent.
Acts 17:30 ESV
As I write this morning, the thunder is
rolling through the sky and refreshing rain is watering our parched Texas soil. Drought is something with which most Texans
are well acquainted. Without adequate rain our land grows brown and brittle and
our news media constantly reminds viewers that we are under a burn ban. One spark
can ignite a raging fire.
However, there is a far more threatening
drought across our landscape. It is a drought of repentance. To quote the great
theologian, Jimmy Buffett, who sings about wasting away in Margaritaville, “It’s
a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning.”
Unfortunately, far too many believe that
attending church on Sunday morning washes away the questionable actions of the
week. It is also unfortunate that in many pulpits across our land sermons
calling for repentance are a thing of the past. But Jesus spoke clearly about
this matter. “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3.
When speaking about repentance in the city
of Athens, Paul used the words, “but now he (God) commands all people everywhere
to repent.”
Watered-down theology may make people feel
good. Watered-down theology may cause people to like you. Watered-down theology
may make good sound bites for the evening talk shows. But, watered-down
theology will never quench the fires of hell.
Lawmakers cannot legislate morality.
Sunday morning pew sitting is not penance for our weekly misbehavior. Hearing
the gospel, without repentance which comes from a broken and contrite heart, does
not save.
Perhaps you have never come broken to the
foot of the cross of Jesus Christ and repented of your sin. Today would be a
great day to do that. For those who believed in Christ many years ago, maybe your
fire for holy living and telling others about Christ has diminished to a
flicker. Today would be a good day to rekindle the fire.
There is a drought across our land. Will
you be the match that ignites the fire of repentance?
©
Joyce Powell
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