Tan: The Call to Repentance

REPENTANCE is a bitter pill yet once it is swallowed, it brings spiritual cure to a guilty soul. Many veer away from the idea of repentance thinking that it’s a weakness. Repentance shatters pride and opens opportunity for a fresh start. Yet, instead of facing the issue, many choose semantics over substance. Placing the blame elsewhere brings such deceitful relief.

Jesus turned these shades of grey into black and white. When Pilate massacred people who were worshipping in the temple, the Lord voiced out the silent questions of the heart, "Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all other people from Galilee? Is that why they suffered? Not at all. And you will perish too unless you repent of your sins and turn to GOD. And what about the 18 people who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them? Were they worse sinners in Jerusalem? No, I tell you again, unless you repent, you will perish too," Luke 13:2-5.

Here we see the obvious sins of the unrepentant:

1. Sin of Superstition

2. Sin of Comparison

3. Sin of Assumptions

First of all, when bad things happen to people, it does not make them worse than those who are spared. Bad things happen! The issue is before anything happens, be sure we come to our senses and get right before God and avail of the chance to repent. Secondly, it’s not only unwise; it’s also sinful to draw comfort from the misery of others! When we hear people say, "I am thankful to God I have no shoes while others have no feet," the issue is, before any misery comes, let it be an open door for repentance instead of proud comparison! Thirdly, we have assumed that we are exempted from these realties. Repentance does not exempt us—it prepares us for life's realities. Our hope lies in redemption and having a right relationship with God when we repent!

The call to repentance

Is generic for all. Avoid the labels and open our hearts to what God is highlighting in our hearts. God uses conscience to lead us to heed His convictions. Conviction of sin is grace from the Lord when conscience no longer bothers us!

Is specific for you. Do not think of and compare yourself with others. God's invitation for repentance is tailored for you and me! It’s a specific grace given to a specific person.

Is urgent, it is for now. Delaying repentance is denying repentance. Why? Only God can tell until when your heart is soft! While you and I still hear His voice today harden not our hearts! For a soft heart today maybe the hardest and petrified heart tomorrow. Repentance is grace now! Avail of it!

For those who would repent, do not deny, do not defend, and do not delay.

When was the last time repentance was taken seriously? When was the last time our hearts were broken enough to ask God to grant us another chance?

Blessed are you when God still convicts your heart of something wrong; more blessed if we no longer cover up our sins and repent. A change of heart and a change of direction is the full circle of true repentance.

Before we all rush to our busy routine. Take time to sincerely pray, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner." I suggest that we also pray the following prayers:

Lord grant us the conviction to repent.

Lord grant us the chance to repent.

Lord grant us grace to be forgiven.

Lord, grant us courage to pay the consequences. In Christ's name, amen.

Thanks for reading and please swallow the bitter pill and be well.

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