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
The message isn't culturally sensitive. As a matter of fact it comes across as confrontational and brash. And the wild-man-messenger's delivery and outfit don't help much.
But often, what we WANT to hear and what we NEED to hear are completely divergent things.
Each of us is created with incredible capabilities. Among the greatest - and one that is often overlooked - is the ability to change one's mind. I am not talking about wishy-washy indecisiveness. I am referring to the open-minded capacity to seek, assimilate and process new information and perspective; and based on this, to make new and better decisions.
The Greek word translated repent is "metanoia" which means "to have a change of mind." (Just a note: the bulk of the New Testament was originally written in Greek.) The word carries an idea of doing an about-face - a 180*. But the change of direction begins with a change of mind. Biblically speaking, repentance begins with an understanding of scriptural (God's) perspective about a matter, attitude, action, etc. This understanding brings about decision; first a change of mind, then a corresponding change of behavior.
Now here is the truly exciting part: God's perspective is right. It is correct. It is true. It is truth. When we align our compass to the True North of God's perspective, our paths become clearer. Our journey begins to take on deeper purpose.
There is a way that seems right to a man,
But it's end is the way of death.
-- Proverbs 14:12
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
-- Psalm 119:105
Finally, what is the result of this change of mind and heart; this repentance?
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
-- Jesus, John 8:32
We may not like the message. It often comes with pain. Sometimes we detest the messenger. (And messengers come in all types: human, circumstances, events, etc.) But God has given us an incredible capacity. We can change our minds, and thus change the direction and trajectory of our lives.
And a word of comfort to close: the opportunity for repentance is based solely in the depth of God's grace toward us. This God who formed us and sacrificed for us gives us the gift of repentance for our good.
... the kindness od God leads you to repentance.
-- Romans 2:4
God, grace me to change my mind to agree with yours.
For now...
D
