Sunday, January 31, 2010
True Repentance
(I Samuel 7:1-4)
God’s judgment relating to the Ark of the Covenant made this important religious artifact somewhat of a pariah among God’s people. We’re told that the ark was moved from Bethshemesh to Kirjathjearim where it was held in storage for about twenty years (2). Though the symbol of God’s presence had returned, the people had not returned with whole-hearted repentance to God.
The twenty years the ark was in storage saw Israel sink to serious spiritual lows. Despite the preaching of Samuel, Israel became conversant in Canaanite customs, especially Canaanite religion. They had begun to worship Baal and Ashtaroth, both pagan fertility gods (4). Samuel’s preaching was a clarion call to repentance.
First, Samuel commanded them to put away false gods. Repentance that does not fundamentally change actions is not genuine. Sincerity is discerned by change, not words.
Secondly, genuine repentance is a matter of the heart. Samuel commanded the people, “…prepare your hearts unto the Lord” (3). While outward display may be convincing to man, God looks on the heart. Anything short of inner transformation is something less than genuine repentance.
Thirdly, true repentance results in renewed service for the Lord. It is not merely a matter of giving up a vice. Repentance involves enthusiastic dedication for the Lord. In repentance, one serves the Lord as energetically as he had formerly served sin.
Shallow repentance never lasts long. In making spiritual changes, be mindful that genuine change is substantive—not merely an outward show.
