Find Hope: Matthew 1-4Sample

Repent-Part 1-Emptying

John the Baptist had a unique ministry; it was a ministry of preparation. Preparing the people for the arrival and even greater ministry of Jesus. At the center of John's preaching was a call to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

Repentance is a word that we use a lot in church, but sometimes it's hard to be sure exactly what we mean. John's preaching gives us some clues. Repentance, like John's whole ministry, is about preparing for Jesus. In simplest terms, the word "repent" means to turn around and go the other way. Specifically, it is a turning from sin and to Jesus.

That, in turn, gives us a picture of what sin actually is; it is the opposite of Jesus. Jesus is King, and we are called to follow him and obey him. Sin is walking away from him and disobeying him. Or to put it in relational terms, sin is opposition to Jesus, but when we repent, we turn towards him in love, trust, dependence, and obedience.

Repentance for the Christian isn't a one-time thing; it's a daily habit of turning away from sin and towards Jesus. It's more than just confessing sin, not less than, but definitely more.

We confess our sin, take hold of Jesus for forgiveness, and begin walking as he commands, trusting him to satisfy us. Only when we confess and hand over sin and with it guilt and shame are we ready to receive Jesus.

Today, ponder this: What sin in your life is the Holy Spirit prompting you to repent of? Confess it, both the act and the failure to trust that Jesus is better. Ask Jesus to forgive you. Receive the promise that in his death and resurrection we find grace and forgiveness. If you're not sure what to repent of, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what in your life is competing for your affection or allegiance.