C + C + C = R + R + R
By Vernette Kureck
In those days John
the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom
of Heaven is at hand.”
Matthew
3:1-2 (ESV)
John
the Baptist was born around 6 BC to devout, very elderly parents in the
priestly line. He was a Nazarene, living a holy life separated from sin and
devoted to God. Some mistook John for the long-deceased prophet, Elijah,
because of his reoccurring message: “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at
hand.” John went on to inaugurate Jesus’ ministry by baptizing Him. Soon, Jesus
proclaimed a similar message of repentance: “From that time Jesus began to
preach, saying ‘Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.’” (Matthew
4:17, ESV)
I’ve
pondered how I would respond to such a call from men like John or Jesus. We
have godly pastors preach in our time, and God’s Word gives wonderful insight.
But I kept coming back to the word both John and Jesus spoke…repent. What does
that look like? Repentance is the same, regardless of the days you live in.
But…what does that look like? It seems to have three parts that all start with
the letter C.
Conviction comes from knowing we are living in a guilty
or sinful condition. The Holy Spirit awakens us to make things right with God.
This results in sincere sorrow or contrition, the realization of how
immoral we are. With this knowledge of remorse, comes along the intention to
make things right. The love of God calls us to conversion. This is a
spiritual transformation. When we accept and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus’
life on the cross for our sins - -
believing He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to
the Kingdom of Heaven except through Him - -
we experience repentance (John 14:6).
Through this initial repentance, we become children of God and escape
His wrath; however, we still do not live perfect lives and the Holy Spirit
nudges us to daily repent and address any sins or struggles we have committed.
How
grateful we can be to have been spared God’s wrath. With a relationship with
Jesus, we experience not only repentance, but restoration with
God. And restoration brings relationship. A relationship with the
Creator, Provider, Promise-keeper, Father,
Lover of my soul, Forgiver, Comforter, Teacher…well, you get the
picture. Repentance requires conviction, contrition and conversion and repentance
leads to restoration and relationship.
Whether “in those days” or now, it’s time to do the math daily.
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
What part of the equation is speaking to you? Is there anything hindering your
relationship with God?
2.
If so, talk to Him about it.
FURTHER
READING:
Vernette
and her husband Ken have been married 44 years and have two sons. They have
been blessed with seven grandchildren. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain.
