"But even now," declares the LORD,
"return to me with all your heart- with fasting, crying, and
mourning."
Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the LORD
your God. He is merciful and compassionate, patient, and always ready to
forgive and to change his plans about disaster.
―Joel
2:12-13
But there are still things you ask me to
learn from that moment. Some of those things include the very language I just
used, drawn out of your Word, to instruct me in just how I am to follow. The
words that convict me today are “revisit” and “restore”, both can be described
by another word used extensively in the text:
Repent.
I confess that I used to get defensive
when I read that you request repentance of me. “I have repented; you are my
Lord,” I would say. But you have led me to realize there are two very different
definitions in your inspired text; each suggesting two very different options
for me to choose from when I repent.
Repent.
I confess that I used to get defensive
when I read that you request repentance of me. “I have repented; you are my
Lord,” I would say. But you have led me to realize there are two very different
definitions in your inspired text; each suggesting two very different options
for me to choose from when I repent.
The first choice is not a bad one at
all: In the Old Testament, it is frequently translated from the word Nâcham: To
literally sigh as in feeling sorry, having remorse―As in your reaction, Father
God, to the condition of mankind prior to the flood. I too can sigh and feel
bad. I fully understand this emotion.
The other word of old
that is translated “repent” is shûb, which is an act of returning or turning around.
It suggests “restoration” of something that once was―As when in Genesis,
Jacob/Israel requested at his death that his children return him to the land
you had promised to give him. I have more difficulty with this definition,
Lord. It speaks of a change of behavior and attitude, an actual intentional
turning, not simply a feeling of remorse that can be later forgotten.
The realization that repentance
might be more than regret led me on another questioning journey: Are there also
two definitions in the New Testament? Do they mirror the context spoken of
before you appeared as the God/Man?
Why would I doubt that you
addressed repentance while you dwelt in the flesh! One example of many is when
you, Jesus, were taken into custody to be tried and crucified. When Judas
realized in what his betrayal would result, the Greek translation says he was “Metamellomai”: regretful after the
fact; sorrow-filled. But other than trying to give back the 30 pieces of
silver, there was no action on his part of turning around to correct his
behavior.
I contrast this with what
you asked the people to do when you first appeared in the flesh. “Repent, (metanoeō), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Metanoeō means
to think differently, afterwards; to turn around and act in a new manner.
As my wife and I prepare
to revisit the Land and to share its amazing heritage with others, I’m
convicted to ask, which definition do you require me to adhere to? The
answer I read about and hear spoken in my heart of hearts is…”Both”, but more
specifically, “One, then the other.”
So Teacher, are you
suggesting, I have done less in my life? Do you observe me more typically
leaving things at the “sorrow-filled altar”; assuming you are satisfied with the offering of my guilty conscience? In fact, that response happens
more than I care to admit when I reflect on my behavior, past, and present.
Maybe as I prepare to revisit the restoration miracle of Israel, I first need to revisit my attitude and my acts to make sure they reflect your restoring action in me. After all, if I’m only focused on my feelings, nothing really
changes, does it? If you have changed me, then I should look changed. People
should see it without my having to brag about it.
I pray that as we prepare to
travel and minister, Lord, prepare us. Let your Spirit convict me toward a
lifestyle that never denies you, never excuses your presence in my thoughts,
words, and deeds. Encourage me to never cease openly celebrating the evidence of
your redeeming acts in the world and in me. Cause in me a desire to invite and welcome others to repent, turning-around with, and
alongside
me. Strengthen our belief as we return to you, our Lord and Savior,
Mark C.
