our utah odyssey

Matthew 3:1-6 "In those days John the baptizer arrived on the scene, preaching in the wilderness of Judea. "Repent," he said, "for the kingdom of the heavens has come near..."

Repent is one of those words often either misunderstood or that scare people off. I think it fits into the same category  that "sin" and "saved" fit in to. Those of us who've grown up going to church have certainly heard the word "repent" and for many it may be a word that we don't fully understand. We know that it's probably a good thing... definitely a churchy word that has a lot to do with whether you're going to heaven or hell. There are lots of words and phrases like that in church. Sanctification, transgressions, and frankincense were fun words to pretend you knew the meaning... "Blood of the Lamb" is probably one that freaks newcomers out.

The older I get, the more fun it is to do word studies and to find out what these words and phrases really mean. Why are they used and what does it have to do with my faith? Sanctify is a word I'd heard for years and never really knew what it meant... only until about 5 years ago did I discover it's true meaning and it absolutely did wonders for my faith and walk with God.

So what did John mean when he was preaching repentance? Repent comes from the Hebrew word teshuvah - to turn away from evil and turning or return to God. To the Jew repentance is central to their faith and relationship with God. They believe that "divine forgiveness is never refused to genuine repentance..." Repentance isn't just sentimental sorrow and "feeling bad", but a real change in  the way you're living. Rabbi Eleazar said "The true penitent is he who has the opportunity to do the same sin again in the same circumstances, and who does not do it."


I work with a lot of folks who seem pretty bitter and disgruntled towards God. There's lots of blasphemy that goes on... It kills me because I think in many cases they've been mislead or let down by others. I bet they feel like pursuing Christ is a hopeless cause. I bet they think that the life they live is inexcusable to God. We all know it's easier to not care. It's easier to scorn and make fun of people and things we don't understand. I can't blame the way these folks feel and for the choices they make. I just wish they knew that no case is hopeless for repentance, and no one is beyond repentance.

"God's mercy is open to the person who is so ahsamed that they can tell their shame to no one except God."