Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Matthew 9:12-13 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
REPENTANCE: A TURNING NOT A DUCKING
I've got two daughters, ages three and one. The older one is forever doing something to upset the younger. But big sister has learned that if Mom or Dad hears little sister crying, it's time to start apologizing. Down the hall I'll walk to the sound of "Sorry-sorry-sorry-sorry-sorry," being directed at our youngest. Is this repentance? I don't think so. Repentance is being sorry for what you did, not being sorry you got caught.
True repentance is a turning away from sin not a ducking away from its consequences. True repentance is a change of heart. True repentance is proved by it's fruits. That's what John the Baptizer told the Pharisees. Saying you're sorry doesn't prove anything, let's see you show your repentant heart by the way you act.
Jesus never needed to repent, because He never sinned. Because He didn't have sins to turn away from, Jesus was able to turn His back to accept the punishment for our sins. He turned His back to accept the flesh tearing scourge. He turned His back to accept the cross. And when the crown of thorns came to His head, Jesus didn't try to duck it. He took it, along with all the other pain and punishment.
Why? Jesus wanted to save the sinners that He had called to repentance, and their saving could only be accomplished by His suffering in their place.
May God give us eagerness to turn our backs on sin, because of our Savior who turned His back and accepted "the punishment that brought us peace." Truly, "by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
