Who among us needs repentance?

This coming Wednesday, some churches and Christians will observe the thousand-year-old tradition of Ash Wednesday.  The day traditionally marks the beginning of a 40-day period set aside to focus on self-examination and repentance.  It’s a special way for some, to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on April 17.

Whether one observes this tradition or not, the question raised is this.  ”Who needs repentance from sin and self-examination?”

After all, the life you lead is probably ten times better than some of those you read about on social media.  One glance at the lives led by some of the rich and famous is enough to make the angels weep.  As if that’s not enough, you can likely catch stories even in this local newspaper, of folks who are headed to prison for heinous deeds they have done.

Compared to many people in this world you are, without a doubt, a fine, moral, and upright person.

So who needs repentance?  After all, you lead a fairly respectable life as a family member, faithfully show up for school or work and do your job.   Maybe you even regularly attend church, read your Bible and volunteer on a weekly basis.  You’re the kind of person many admire.  Knowing that, who needs repentance?

Remember a man named Judas?   He was the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. 

Judas was one of the trusted 12.  He was a member of the inner circle of Jesus’ closest friends.  Judas probably never imagined that he could ever get caught up in the dreadful sequence of events that led to his loss of faith, betrayal of Christ, and the taking of his own life. 

Think about it!  Here is someone who was an eye-witness to hundreds of great miracles of Jesus.  Judas heard Jesus’ preaching and watched Jesus’ personal life of prayer and worship.  For three full years, Judas sat at the feet of the greatest teacher of all time, the Son of God Himself.

How did it happen that this disciple fell? 

Turns out, Judas had a focus upon, and a greed for money, just as many Americans do.  John 12:6

Judas thought he could use his association with Jesus to his own personal advantage, just as some Christians do. 

Judas pretended to love His Lord, even to the point of kissing Jesus on the cheek as he acted as traitor.

Do we ever live out a pretend Christian faith?   Hypocrisy is the word.   Judas failed to heed words of warning and admonition that Jesus gave to Judas on several occasions.  Judas thought he knew better than the Lord and didn’t need to listen to His Word, just as we often do.   

Let’s not make the same mistake.  A WORD TO THE WISE is sufficient.  God’s Word tells us that our eternity is at stake.  Judas should serve as warning enough, to move us into a truly meaningful life of repentance, attention to God’s Word, and involvement with a family of faith as Christians are called to do.  Hebrews 10:24-25 

May we find true repentance, self-examination and a joyous faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, who alone can offer forgiveness of sin, and strength for a daily and joyous life found in Him.

HHJ News