Not only did John begin his ministry teaching the gospel of repentance; but Jesus did as well. Repentance is a change of mind, a change of direction, most importantly a change of heart. Change is why He came. He came to give us a new sense of hope and to show us how to be born into a whole new life and into the kingdom of God. When we repent and believe in Jesus, God gives us the grace to be set free from the sin that causes so much pain and suffering. Don't we want to be set free from doing mean things that we feel sorry for later? Here is what Jesus said about repentance:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matt. 4:17 NKJ,
For the people He spoke this to, the kingdom was at hand, because the King was there, so close that they could physically touch Him! We can not physically touch Him right now... but He didn't want to leave us alone as orphans. So He prayed for the Father to send the Spirit, the Comforter. In Luke 17:21 He says "The Kingdom of God is within you." It is within this inward place in our heart, our spirit that we find Him.
After Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven He spoke the following letter for John to deliver to the church of the Laodicea. They were a wealthy church, much like the church in the US today. They were physically comfortable in their wealth and didn't have pressing needs that would humbly bring them before God for deliverance. They were a complacent and indifferent church. But Jesus did not give up on them.
After Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven He spoke the following letter for John to deliver to the church of the Laodicea. They were a wealthy church, much like the church in the US today. They were physically comfortable in their wealth and didn't have pressing needs that would humbly bring them before God for deliverance. They were a complacent and indifferent church. But Jesus did not give up on them.
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.
Therefore be zealous and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with Me."
Rev.3:19, 20 KJV
Our Lord Jesus disciplines and corrects those He loves, but He won't beat down the door of our indifference to come in and share a meal with us as friends. It is in an open, trusting heart that He abides. We may still open the door and enjoy intimate fellowship with the Lord. Considering that He waits for the door to be opened shows us that not only is He gracious to save, but also gracious to not demand that we let Him in. We do have a personal responsibility to open our hearts to experience His presence. We'll conclude with what Peter said:Therefore be zealous and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with Me."
Rev.3:19, 20 KJV
"Now Repent of your sins and turn to God,
so that your sins may be wiped away,
Then times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord."
Acts 3:19 NLT
so that your sins may be wiped away,
Then times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord."
Acts 3:19 NLT
It is truly refreshing to realize that when we repent, we can have our sins wiped away and be refreshed from the Presence of the Lord. Thank You, God!
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