Repentance – Ezekiel 14:6
Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations.”’
The urgency for repentance is great.
Consider the terror of those who fall into the hands of an angry God.[1] Tragically, when the arrogant face judgment, they will be unable to defend their dismissal of the Lord. These lost souls will have no recourse but to confess before the Truth Himself, “I considered Your offer to bless me, but the delights of pride, power, lust, and greed were more alluring. I chose to follow other gods and serve my selfish desires rather than obeying Your perfect law.”[2] “Good people,” who lived decent lives but without devotion to God, having never accepted Christ as their Savior, will fare no better, for the façade of goodness will crumble instantly before the Holy of Holies, and their offerings, given out of a desire to appease God rather than from love-filled, thankful hearts, will bring no mercy.
Yet while a person lives, hope remains, for the riches of God’s kindness and patience, which lead the lost to repentance, are vast and rich,[3] and the Word brings good news to those who will abandon their sins while turning to the Lord and dedicating themselves to Him.
The Father delights in those with broken and contrite hearts,[4] with hearts controlled by the love of Christ,[5] and He lovingly, restores those who step onto the path of righteousness. He pours out His compassion on them as they heed His call to sin no more,[6] and He teaches them about the abundant life awaiting those who keep His commandments, seeking a heart like His and walking with Him in humility. He shines His favor upon penitent souls, upon those who chose His blessings over the curse,[7] and receive His treasures from heaven. Showing them the joy of His presence, leading them to the fount of grace where He will cleanse their hands and purify their hearts, He draws near to them.[8]
Remain mindful of the urgent need
for the lost to repent and to enter into the salvation of the Lord. Plead with the Lord for revival across our
land, asking Him to restore many. Pray
fervently for the eternal souls of those living apart from Christ, while
remembering to beseech Him to keep the heart that beats within your own chest
pure, so your light will break out as the dawn, enabling you to serve His cause
among the spiritually hardened and unrepentant.[9]
[1] Hebrews 10:31
[2] Deuteronomy 28:1-14
[3] Romans 2:4
[4] Psalm 51:17
[5] 2 Corinthians 5:14
[6] Deuteronomy 30:2-3
[7] Deuteronomy 11:26-27
[8] James 4:8
[9] Isaiah 58:8
