“Repent”

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. (Luke 3:8)

John, the Baptist, prophet of the Highest, was an extremely eccentric man.  He did not minister in the temple or synagogue, but in the solitude of nature.  His clothing does not include robes and fringes, but skins of a camel.  Yet, multitudes came to hear his message - "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:2)  

The words of John upset the Jews who believed they enjoyed God’s special favor simply because they were of the lineage of Abraham.  In God’s court, it is the character and not genealogy that counts.  

Repentance is not a popular Bible topic.  Folks want to hear about faith and love, but when repentance is proclaimed there is no middle ground.  Some reject resulting in condemnation.  Others are convicted to salvation.  The sinner’s only way to God is a change of heart that loathes sin’s ugliness and yearns for God’s holiness.

True repentance will manifest itself in proper behavior.  Those who were “rich” were to share with those who had nothing.  The tax collector must learn to be honest and just.  Soldiers were to be civil.  If sorrow for sin is genuine, it will cause one to immediately work on changing his lifestyle.

John was one the world’s greatest preachers.  He was clear and precise.  He demanded action. His message could not be ignored.  He did not pontificate in the realm of generalities and subtleties, but in decisive living.

If one is truly convicted through genuine repentance, and in baptism gives their life to Jesus, the sinner will come out of the water to a new and living way. (Acts 2:38)  What about you?

By George Slover

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