Have you ever been driving in one direction and found out you were going the wrong way? Did you change your mind about the direction you were going and turn around to drive in the right direction? That is what repentance is like. We were doing something and then find out that what we were doing is wrong so we stop doing that wrong thing and hopefully find the right thing to do.
I remember a time when I took the wrong on-ramp to get to our hotel but when I learned that I was going the wrong direction, I didn’t get off at the next exit. I kept going the wrong way because I wasn’t ready to turn around, plus we didn’t have a GPS back then and I wanted an easy place to turn around. We were going farther away from our hotel, so when I finally repented, made the necessary changes to go the right way, my passengers were more at ease and very happy when we arrived at our destination.
In the Old Testament, repentance was shown through actions such as fasting, crying, wearing sackcloth, and sitting on ashes. Those were signs of humility and regret when a person realized that they were guilty and would be punished.
In the New Testament, Jesus started His ministry preaching “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. There were many who were baptized to show their change of mind toward how they were living.
Repentance is shown by a change in action. We may have a strong emotion about what we did wrong but if we keep on doing that wrong thing, then we haven’t repented. True repentance is a change of mind and a change of behavior.
Since we’re not perfect, we need to repent whenever we find out we are going in the wrong direction. As we spend more time praying with God, reading the Bible, studying the Bible with others, and following Christ, we’ll know when we’re on the wrong path sooner and so won’t need to repent as often.
Don’t be like me when I found out I was driving in the wrong direction and kept going farther away from where I should be. I should have taken the next exit and turned around to go the right way. I’m glad God is patient with us.
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You for providing a way to have a relationship with You. Help us to want to change when we know we should. May we turn to You when we get off course.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
Isaiah 55 7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the Lord, our God. He is merciful and quick to forgive
Joel 2:12 God declares, “Return to me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping, and mourning”
Ezekiel 18:32 I take no delight in the death of anyone, declares the sovereign Lord, Repent and live!
Matthew 4:17 Jesus began to preach, “Turn to God for the kingdom of heaven is near”
Mark 1:4 John the baptizer began preaching a baptism to show they repented of their sins and turned to God for forgiveness
Luke 3:7 Crowds of people came out to John to be baptized by him
Acts 26:20 Repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance
Revelation 2:5 Remember from where you have fallen and repent! Do what you did af first
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance
Song
“Repent (What A Joy It Is)” by Mitch Wong is a new song for me but it matches the theme and idea of this post. Do you agree?
Call To Action
If you have already prayed a prayer, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then take time to check if you are going in the wrong direction in an area in your life.