Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Repent


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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