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REPENTANCE (LUKE 3:9-14)

REFLECTION

Repentance is the theme for our reflection. Repentance is demonstrating or expressing sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin. Repentance comes from hearing the Gospel and acknowledging our depravity before the holiness of God even as we pray for restoration. We shall reflect on the fact that repentance comes through the hearing of the Good News and obedience through faith and action. John the Baptist explained the meaning of repentance to those who heard His message of repentance and judgement and yearned to be transformed from their sinful ways.

Beloved in the Lord, repentance has two phases. The first is to hear the Gospel and the second is to obey God through faith and action. It is for this reason, that John the Baptist taught those who sought to have a meaningful relationship with God through repentance that “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:10-14). The challenge for most people is that they hear the Gospel but are not ready to obey it. Again, many hear the Gospel but lack faith and the desire to turn away from sin and be saved. The question for us today is, what is your act of repentance? In other words, what have we done to prove that your repentance is genuine? Remember, it is not enough to say that I have repented but your hearing and obedience to God’s word must prove that you now live a life of repentance and renewal our Lord Jesus.

John reminds of that time is not on our side because The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:9) In other words, those who fail to repent shall experience eternal death or hellfire. God is merciful to humanity therefore he has sent His messengers to warn us and finally, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16-18). May the Scriptures we reflect on during this Advent season and Christmas draw us closer to Jesus through repentance and restoration.

In summary, we have discovered that repentance takes place through the hearing of the Good News and obedience through faith and action. Shalom

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower us through the transformative power of the Gospel to demonstrate our repentance and faith in our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Amen.