Repentance Is Essential

 Today is day 1 of our monthly fast and this month's theme is listen. 

As we delve into the study of listening, let us begin our fast with repentance. Repentance corrects our heart posture, aligns us with the Word of God and prepares us to hear from God so that we can respond in obedience through the power of Holy Spirit. Repentance is not just for our initial conversion to Christianity, it is a posture that we hold to daily as we surrender and say not my will, but Thy will be done. 

Throughout scripture we see that repentance was essential to reconciliation and alignment with the purpose of God.

In the book of Isaiah, there is a depiction of a vision concerning Judah. The chapter begins with a description of their rebellion, and continues with God's response in which He says, "when you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being.They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening.Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice.  Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless;  plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:12-17)

The above passage is quite weighty, however it gives us insight into the heart of our Father. In Judah's rebellion they did not cease to have their sabbaths and assemblies however the posture of their heart was evident by evil deeds. It can be easy to habitually do things we know we have to do. And yet in all our doing, we can still miss God.  

Is this relatable? Have you had the misconception that performing religious acts is true religion? The pharisees did, and John told them to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance." (Matthew 3:8)

The beauty in all of this is the grace that God has allotted to each one of us. We have all missed the mark. Even in our christian journey, we are a work in progress. Glory to God for Holy Spirit and revelation. Even in the Old Testament before Christ made atonement for our sin, God provided a way for His children to repent and realign themselves with his plans and purpose. Isaiah 1 continues with "come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land"( Isaiah 1:18-19)

There is hope in Christ. And as we begin this fast, let us embrace repentance. May Holy Spirit reveal to us what we need to take to the Father in prayer. May our heart posture be surrendered to God's will that we may hear Him clearly. It is a privilege that God sees all of who we are and loves us deeply, for "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."(Romans 5:8) Today harden not your heart, don't try to hide from a God that knows all of you. Rather humbly, approach His throne of grace, repent and surrender to His good and perfect will. Hallelujah!

May you read and pray the scriptures below

Matthew 3:2 

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 3:8-9

"Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham."

Psalm 139: 23-24

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way."

Pour out your heart before the Lord. Ask Holy Spirit to show you what you need to repent of, as people or circumstances come to mind, share them with the Lord. And remember He is faithful and just to forgive us as we confess our sins before Him. Repentance realigns us, and is the stepping stone for listening without hindrance. 


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