Theme: Repentance: Can We Say That?

Repent, Judgement Day is Coming

God commands all people everywhere to repent.

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed.  He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.

Acts 17:30-31

Have you ever noticed changes in human behavior in response to matters of urgency?  Situations arise in our lives that spur us on to immediate action.  This motivation to prepare for future events can be beneficial, even life saving.  For example, if we know a storm is forming in the Atlantic Ocean, we will inquire when and where the “eye” will make landfall and make plans to evacuate.  Or, due to the fragile nature of life, we may purchase insurance to provide financial security for our family in the event of a tragedy.

In a faith context, we should also feel a sense of urgency.  The Spirit reminds us to live in such a way that we are prepared for the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14).  We should live holy and godly lives, pleasing to the Lord.  We don’t know when that day will come; hence we look forward to the Day and desire it to come soon.

Some might feel the sense of urgency to be “religious” in order to meet expectations of a community or family or job or self.  Unfortunately, this need may be met in misguided ways.  One example is found in Acts 17 when the people of Athens had acted in ignorance as they tried to satisfy their religious desires.  Luke records that Paul was in the city of Athens (Acts 17:16-34) and became greatly distressed because the city was full of idols.  Paul proactively reasoned with those that would listen, bringing life to the “unknown god” inscribed on one of the manmade altars.  The idea that the Living God cares and desires a relationship with his “offspring” caused some to respond contemptuously, while others wanted to hear more on the subject.  A few even became believers.

I fear that some today, like the Athenians, may have felt the pressure to conform to their religious surroundings.  Idols are conveniently erected in hopes of avoiding the negative consequences of possible future events; all the while, the true motive is to satisfy selfish thoughts and desires.  Is it possible the faith demonstrated in a living sacrifice as God requested has been replaced with a cold, lifeless ritual?  Have we begun thinking of our faith as some type of insurance policy protecting us against the unknown?  If so, it is time to repent!  Judgement day is coming.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we appreciate your merciful patience allowing us to respond in repentance.  We marvel at your power and realize you don’t need our service.  Yet, you care about us and ask us to seek you.  As we turn from sinful ignorance, we believe you and trust you.  We look forward to the Day when you will raise us as you have raised your son.  We pray in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas