Day 19: Repentance
Matthew 4:17 (NIV) 17 “From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
DEVOTIONAL:
In our busy lives, full of distractions, Matthew 4:17's message stands out clearly. Jesus started His public work with a vital message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Just like John the Baptist before Him, Jesus asked people to turn away from their sins because God's kingdom was very close.
This message isn't just a story from long ago; it's an invitation for all of us today. To repent means to really change our ways, to say sorry for our sins, and to start living in a way that pleases God. It's about making a big change inside that shows on the outside, changing how we act, think, and feel to match what God wants.
Repentance isn't just feeling sorry. It's a real process of admitting our wrongs, asking for forgiveness, and choosing to live a holy life. It's about turning our lives towards God and away from selfishness.
Jesus talked about repentance because it's the first step to a new kind of life. It's how we get ready to live in God's kingdom. This kingdom isn't just an idea for the future; it's a real thing right now, where love, fairness, peace, and doing right are the most important.
To live in this kingdom, we need to live righteously. This means living in a way that shows we're right with God, like He wants. We can't do this on our own; we need God's help to live like this.
So, how do we repent in our daily life? It starts with looking at ourselves and praying. We need to find the parts of our lives that don't match up with what God wants and ask Him to help us change. This isn't just something we do once; it's something we need to keep doing.
Prayer:
Dear God, I come to you now to say I'm sorry for the things I've done wrong. I need your forgiveness. Please help me to live the right way, the way that pleases you. Teach me and guide me in your truth. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Action Step:
Today, take a moment to think quietly. Ask God to show you where you need to change. Be ready to hear what He says. When you realize what you need to change, tell God about it and ask for His help to make the change. Remember, repenting is the first step to a better life with God.