READING: Deuteronomy 27-31, Luke 13
“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well.” (Luke 13:5)
These words were Jesus’ words directed to a crowd that had come to report to Him about others, though the purpose of their report is not clear. Whatever was the intent of their report, this we know: they came to Jesus asking about others, and Jesus confronted them to get them to examine their own lives. In fact, twice he said to them the same thing about repenting (vv. 3, 5). His words were not unclear, either. If the people didn’t turn from their sin, they, too, would perish. It was really that simple—and it still is.
I fear, though, that we understand repentance to be a one-time turning away from sin at our conversion, with no necessity for repentance after conversion takes place. Non-believers who turn to Christ must, of course, repent of their sin and trust Him, but repentance also continues beyond that moment. Turning from our sin is a day by day, hour by hour, and second by second endeavor. We are still sinners even as believers, so we must also know that repentance is not an optional act.
What do you need to repent from today?
PRAYER: “Lord, show me where I need to repent today, and give me strength to do just that.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 1-4; Psalm 143; Luke 14