Getting Right with God

Luke 15:17-19 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' (NIV)

Repentance is not a natural or comfortable human reaction. It involves admitting that the past was wrong - so wrong, that left to itself it would bring ruin - and that the future must be different. Of course, that set of thoughts offends our pride. But repentance is essential if we are to get back in right relationship with people and with God. It is good to want reconciliation, but without repentance, any rapport is hollow and cannot be trusted. Where sinful people do not admit guilt or ask for forgiveness, there is no possibility of true relationship being restored.

In Jesus' parable, the young man who had wasted his father's money was ruined. He had no resources, no friends and no hope. But the reality of sitting with the pigs stirred him to think. He realized that nobody went hungry on his father's farm; he had been a fool to think he knew better. More than that, he knew he had spectacularly demonstrated his sinfulness, and could not hide it from God. He was financially, morally and spiritually bankrupt. There was only one possible hope: his father. The old man was known to be kind and fair, so the penitent young man decided to admit his sin, to relinquish his rights as a son, and plead for a menial job as a servant.

Repentance is an essential part of getting right with God. It is not a feeling; it is a decision and a verbal declaration (to God and others). Repentance throws pride away and embraces humility. Such people never feel worthy or consider they have any right to bargain with God, and that is true. But they trust in the loving and just character of Father God: loving, because He will receive every contrite soul, and just, because Jesus has been punished instead of the sinner.

That is the bedrock of Christian beginnings and everyday discipleship; it is the only solid foundation on which to build a relationship with God. So, where sin has taken a hold, repent today!

Prayer: Merciful Father. Thank You for stirring my conscience. I repent of my foolishness in believing that I know best, and in resisting Your love. Thank You too for the circumstances of life which You have allowed to show me the folly of taking the wrong path, and that repentance is essential. Help me to be grateful for these wake-up calls to reality, and the grace You give me to humble myself under Your mighty hand. Please deal kindly with me and teach me the value of humbly staying close to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

WB “Word@Work” Journal