The Clicking Tock - Be Semi-Revolutionary

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.”

“Repentance refers to a sincere acknowledgment and regret for one's wrongdoing or sin. It includes a change of heart and a willingness to turn away from the harmful behavior or thoughts that led to the wrongdoing. Repentance is typically associated with religious or spiritual practices and is often seen as a necessary step towards forgiveness and redemption. It is a personal and inward process of transformation that requires humility, honesty, and a desire to make things right.” Thank you, Mr. Webster. Are any of you starting to drift off, yet?

The word "repentance" has lost its potency for most people, even Christians. It's been sidelined and disregarded for far too long. Why? Because repentance demands remorse and shame, forcing us to confront our flaws and failings to ourselves, our families, and friends. That isn’t very comfortable! We don’t want to look like fools.

True repentance is a profound and arduous process that requires unflinching self-examination. It means delving deep within and summoning every ounce of humility and contrition we possess. But let's face it, that is easier said than done.

Despite our best intentions, repentance often demands more than we're willing to give. It can be a brutally painful undertaking, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves.

"Repent, you sinner!" These words tend to send Christians running for the hills. Jaws clench, faces cringe, and a sense of dread washes over us, all followed by the vice-like constriction of our lower intestines! That’s the effect, but what’s the cause? The simple truth is that repentance means acknowledging our mistakes and changing our ways. Period.

It's easy to rely on the excuse du jour: "But I enjoy those things!" or "Everyone else is doing it!" Or, my favorite: “I was born like this. It's a cherished part of my heritage!” We cling to our bad habits, fearing we'll miss out on the fun if we change. However, the truth is that the "fun" we're clinging to often leads to regret and embarrassment down the road. Thus, there is a need to repent for our indiscretions.

Those "youthful indiscretions" (or middle-aged, or senior, for that matter) can come back to bite us later in life. As the wise philosopher Preston Ball once said, "When you're stupid, you gotta be tough!" Wouldn't it be better to grow in wisdom, obey God, and repent?

By the way, there's nothing wrong with "youth." But what about a "Fountain of Smart?"

Let’s go a little deeper. The word "repent" has Latin roots that paint a vivid picture: someone desperately seeking to escape punishment, doing a rapid about-face to avoid the consequences of their actions. It's a three-step process: walk in sin, spin around, and walk in virtue. Think of it as a 180-degree turn, one half of a complete revolution. So, be semi-revolutionary! Repent! But here's a geometry lesson for you: Don't repent twice in a row, or you'll end up back where you started!

It's easy to see why people resist the idea of repentance. Nobody likes ultimatums, and being told "Do this, or else!" naturally triggers defiance. We want to feel in control, not backed into a corner.

Finally, another obstacle is our human tendency to weigh the costs and benefits. We ask ourselves, "Is the payoff of forgiveness and healing worth the effort of repentance?" In other words, "Is the juice worth the squeeze?" This cost-benefit analysis, when applied to our spiritual lives, can have profound implications not only for our nation’s recovery but also for our eternal well-being. Incidentally, if you're making your reservations, which section would you prefer? Smoking or non-smoking?

And it's not just individuals who grapple with this issue. Entire nations, especially ours, can find themselves in desperate need of healing and reconciliation, facing the same question: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

The Promise:

God laid out the rules of life in His Word. These aren't mere "guidelines" – they’re “God-lines.” They're the solid foundation and ultimate protection we need to navigate this world. Think of them as "His rod and staff that comfort me," safeguarding us from harm, especially the self-inflicted kind.

When the world's temptations pull us off course, God's Word acts like a powerful tractor beam, drawing us back into alignment with His will. But here's the catch: before He can "beam us up," we need to (you guessed it) repent.

Yep, there’s that word again! It seems we can't escape its importance. Abba, let Your people, who are called by Your Name, humble themselves and start praying unceasingly. Let them seek Your will intensely. Let them repent from their wicked ways sincerely. Let them rejoice and be glad ecstatically. Let's stretch the use of our adverbs, Father. Let them write symphonies to Your holiness and glory, Lord, amplifying Your Masterwork to echo in every earthly ear.

True repentance, like a grand symphony, unfolds in three distinct movements. First, Lord, help us cast aside our pride and humbly approach You, opening lines of communication through our prayers and seeking Your presence with all our hearts.

Secondly, Father, give us the strength to turn away decisively from our wicked ways. Let us not make the mistake of interpreting Your words as a gentle suggestion or a Fatherly recommendation. Let us receive them as a non-negotiable truth, a stark and unwavering command. Your Word on this matter should stir within us a sense of urgency, for You know the dire consequences that await those who refuse to atone.

Finally, we must embrace obedience and repentance. Only then can we experience the fullness of God's forgiveness and witness the healing of our land from seemingly incurable wounds. Praise God! Repentance offers hope and restoration, even when all seems lost.

My dear friends, invest in your heavenly future, not just the fleeting pleasures of the world. Repent and redirect your efforts towards the eternal reward that awaits all who follow God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Reexamine your understanding of eternity and delve deeper into the scriptures to gain a more comprehensive experience. Especially this part: “Then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land,” says the Lord.