After a couple of weeks of
repenting and facing the reality of our short lifetimes and numerous sins that
we have participated in, our souls are moved to celebrate what the repentance
has uncovered. Maybe we already knew we
were sinners, that knowledge is nothing new.
In coming to grips with the fact that we are more sinful than we ever
let ourselves think, we learn how merciful, gracious and forgiving our God
really is. If you haven’t discovered
this one yet, you are actually more sinful than you can ever imagine-- The heart
is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
In the midst of a season focused on
true repentance, spring bursts through.
Even if you live in the north where the flowers are not budding quite
yet, there can be a time of spring, a season of anticipation and joy on your
Lenten journey.
True repentance leads to joy. There is no question about it. If your time of focusing on your sins has
made you more gloomy and pessimistic about yourself, then you are not
experiencing true repentance.
Judas and Peter are notorious for
their sins against Jesus. Their sins
happened the same night, and Jesus told about them before they happened. Both men experienced intimate encounters with
Jesus in the midst of their sin—Judas—his famous kiss, and Peter—the eye
contact that sent him to bitter tears.
Both felt sorrow for their sin against Jesus: Judas experienced worldly repentance; Peter
experienced Godly repentance.
Paul lays out the difference in 2
Corinthians 7:8-13.
Worldly Sorrow—what Judas felt: Godly Sorrow—what Peter felt:
Death Repentance
that leads to salvation
No
regret
Earnestness
Eagerness
to clear yourself
Indignation
Alarm
Longing
Concern
Readiness
to see justice done
It’s a big
difference, isn’t it? I hope this
midpoint of Lent is taking you to Godly sorrow that leads to celebration and
joy!
Copyright ©
2014. Deborah R Newman
teatimeforyoursoul.com All Rights
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