Repentance
In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea [along the western side of the Dead Sea] and saying, “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2
As we approach the end of September we enter into the Jewish holy days of Rosh Hashanah, The Days of Awe, and Yom Kippur. In and of themselves they are considered holy to this community. They are considered days of new beginnings, reflection, repentance, and forgiveness. It renewed in me the importance, impact, and truth of repentance and its value to humanity.
In the book of Matthew, John the Baptist was considered radical, maybe a little wild in his day, but in every way was hard after the heart of the Father and bringing mankind into relationship with Yahweh God. In verse two we are told, “Repent…. For the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And it was. The kingdom of God was already here and was on the way. It was at hand, and is at hand, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is at hand in you and in me. It was already working in him (John), and it was in Yahshuathe Christ. John called for true repentance, demonstrated by a changed life, a renewed mind, and a transformed heart.
Repentance is beautiful (as is forgiveness), and it is a breath of life and the burden of a weight removed to the one who repents with their whole being. It is not weak, on the contrary, it often takes great strength (a digging deep) to repent. To repent is to completely change the thought process of man and to take on the mind of Christ. Sometimes the change comes instantaneously, and sometimes it is a walking out, but when we repent Yahweh is faithful to do a complete work if our heart is willing and aligned with Him.
My encouragement is this: ask the Father to search your heart. If there is anything place in your, or anything that holds you bound- repent in truth, and then be free. Walk forward and live life as the son that you are in Christ. Allow your mind to be renewed daily, allow your heart to be transformed, and demonstrate to those who are are watching you- this is the way, walk in it.