"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2Corinthians 4:16-18
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Matthew 4:17
This is the beginning of His ministry; Jesus' message is “Repent” “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” The context fills this scene with power. According to Matthew, this is the heart of the Messiah’s message. That setting causes me to give pause and treat the word “Repent” with a lot of impact. My interpretation always seems to come down to a basic meaning of the word “Repent”; make a change, stop doing sinful things and start doing good things, leave that bad habit behind and start some good habit, change the direction of your life. This understanding is sort of like saying, “Hey Jesus is on the scene, time to straighten up and fly right.” Jesus ministered predominately to the Israelites. Ninety-nine percent of the time the Master is depicted as speaking to and teaching people living under the Law. The Law is the only way to have a relationship with God in the Jewish mind. God is a record keeper marking down merits and demerits according to how closely an individual follows the Law. Jewish leaders, the Pharisees and experts in the Law, expand the Law to over 600 daily commandments; these leaders must really know God, they know the Law. Tax Collectors, prostitutes, common people obviously don’t know God, they don’t know the Law. So the mind of the Israelite sees the world. This merit based system is a natural for mankind. Everything is based on performance. Work hard, we tell our children and you can become anything. Bad behavior is punished; good behavior is rewarded. In school the bright child performs well; his merits are totaled and rewarded. On the field it is the talented player that is recognized; the player that scores the most runs, accumulates the most points, catches the most passes, runs the fastest, spikes the most balls, sets the most records, that is elevated and ultimately rewarded. When work and careers begin hard work and accomplishment bring us the treasures we want. Unfortunately, even our relationships become a merit based system, “What have you done for me lately?” There may be things we cannot identify with in the ancient Jewish world, but the merit based system is easy for us to grasp. For years my preaching and understanding of the word “Repent” lined up with this basic understanding; stop doing what’s bad, start doing what’s right, “Repent.” In other words, “Measure up!” “Obey the law!” “Your performance is lacking!” I’ve changed my mind…. I’ve come to believe that the deepest level of repentance is to change one’s mind; changing the way we think may be the greatest challenge we face. Paul tells us again and again that no one will be justified by the Law. Is it really possible that Jesus’ message is “stop sinning and obey the law!”? I’ve changed my mind…. Jesus is telling us to repent; turn your back on the law or any performance based system. “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repent into God’s unconditional love. Stop trying to perform better. Stop making resolves to be a better person. Stop relying on working harder. Stop struggling to be better. Repent from effort based formulas; turn to the unconditional love of God. His love will always be my greatest need. My merits will never be enough. This is the New Covenant! The Old Covenant is passed away! I’ve changed my mind…. I’m resting in His unconditional love!
1 Comment
|
AuthorTim Young is a follower of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sue and is the father of 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Beyond his faith and family Tim is passionate about hiking, backpacking and fitness. He lives in Southwest Missouri in the Ozarks. Archives
January 2020
|