“Change Your Mind”

Monday, March 11, 2019

Bible Reading: Matthew 3

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)

You would think the introduction of Jesus’ kingdom would involve a little more tact. No one likes to be told “Admit you are wrong and change.” That’s never been an easy sell. It’s much easier to get a crowd by glazing over the repentance part of faith. But as John declares the coming of Jesus’ rule and reign, he cuts right to the heart of the matter: Following Jesus demands a change, and it starts when people decide to make a change.  

Repentance literally means you change your mind. It is significant that at the beginning of this gospel, both John (Matthew 3.1) and Jesus (Matthew 4.17) set the precedent for what is important in the coming kingdom, by pointing to repentance.

But this was not something new. All throughout the Bible we see people being called to repentance. God, Jesus, Paul, the Prophets, etc. all were involved in clearly communicating the need for men and women to repent. The message of the gospel is not some new way of thinking that expects nothing from believers, and it doesn't simply suggest people live rightly. We have not heard all that God wants to say to us unless we have heard his command to repent. As Luther said, “All of a Christian’s life is one of repentance.” It’s a deception to think that we will ever reach a place in our lives where we do not need moments of repentance. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1.8).

In his address to the religious people, John goes on to say, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (3.8) implying that repentance is an ongoing discipline one must practice. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (3.10). If we do not cultivate a habit of repentance, we tread a dangerous line that leads to separation from God and judgment (Hebrews 10.26-31), and in the end, those who do not repent will be eternally separated from God (Revelation 9.20-21).

I don't share these things to suggest that we live in a constant state of fear before God, but rather that we see clearly the need to repent. It is a command given by the Lord himself (Matthew 4.17) to lead us into his kingdom. On a practical level, repentance promotes humility and helps us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to (Romans 12.3). It reminds us of the great mercy and patience God shows for us. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

God’s desire is that we all would reach repentance. He’s not slow. He does not delay. He knows exactly what He’s doing, and His character more and more in the Bible reveals just how much He loves us.  But we must decide to be different.

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