The older I get, the more opportunities I see where I need to repent. I thought it would be the other way around but not so for me. I am choosing to think of it as the sharper my “spiritual vision” becomes the clearer I see the junk that is there. In light of that, I guess it is a positive thing.
Isiah 30:15~In repentance and rest is my salvation.
Jesus’ last three words before giving up His Spirit on the cross were, it is finished. As believers, those are three of the most significant words that are so easy to forget. I often find myself losing sight of that truth, and I end up in a position of Jesus plus me or Jesus plus something else equals fulfillment. My failure to remember that Jesus completed everything for me on the cross only leads me down a path of trying harder, idolatry, guilt, self-condemnation and ultimately shame and exhaustion.
It can be hard to believe and thus accept that it is just that easy; someone who owes me nothing died to make me right before God and to provided eternal life. It feels much more natural to want to work off my debt.
There is something oddly comforting about pulling the products my sins, (guilt, shame, self-condemnation, self-pity), back down off the cross and wearing them like a warm, comforting coat on a blustery day.
Continuing to feel guilty, shamed or condemned is an illusive form of self-righteousness. Ouch! It suggests Jesus isn’t enough and I need to help Him secure my salvation.
Isaiah 30:15 says in repentance and rest is my salvation. That is good news for you and me. When I go to The Father in repentance, I must not only repent for what I did but also what I failed to believe that led me astray. Like the prodigal father, Jesus is always scanning the horizon to run to us with open arms and a forgiving heart.
It is finished, friends!
I pray you remember to live from that, and when you forget like I sometimes do, turn back to your Father and rest in His grace!