Walking with Jesus: Repent, the Day of The Lord is Near
Author: Pastor H. Bill Coker
March 26, 2021
Reflection:
The Day of the Lord is nearer than when we first believed on Him. In fact, Jesus Himself says that the Day of the Lord is as a thief in the night and furthermore, He announces that no one knows the day nor the hour that the Son of Man shall come. These are a few common themes that we share in passing, but the reality of it all is that Jesus is coming again very soon. The question remains. What are you doing to be ready for that great Day of the Lord? The Prophet Joel makes a startling point about this announcement—more descriptive of the essence of that day. “For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it?” (Joel 2:11; NKJV). The day of the Lord is such that, no one will be able to withstand it. It will be a day of reckoning, a day of overwhelming proportions to the extent that no one will be able to endure it. God will extend mercy and grace to those who repent or turn back to Him.
The clarion call announces repentance or the turning back to God as the position of readiness and solemnity for those who express godly sorrow. “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So, rend your hearts and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. And He relents from doing harm” (Joel 2:12, 13; NKJV). The Evangelist Matthew echoes similar sentiments: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matt. 4:17; NKJV). Repentance is a matter of choice. It is a decision that one makes of their own volition, a change in their thinking—Making up your mind to refrain from those things that displeases God which in turn leads to a change of heart or one’s purpose and action. The choice that we make for a change of mind is our choice, but the changing of the heart, is in God’s own action.
When we repent, we are aligning with the Kingdom of God. There are benefits for those who align their souls with the Kingdom of God. John Eldon Ladd in his book, “The Kingdom of God,” defines the Kingdom of God as a present spiritual reality. In other words, the Kingdom of God is present with us now, but the fulfillment of it is yet to come and it is near now than ever before. “For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17; NKJV). Righteousness, peace, and joy are of God and from God. These are principle of the Kingdom of God that every intentional Christian must subscribe to, both in devotion and demonstration to the glory of God. They are Fruit of the Holy Spirit and are outlined as standards for every penitent to follow. So, in keeping with the theme on the coming of the Lord, it behooves everyone to repent or turn back to God and adhere to the righteous requirements prescribed in the holy Word of God. Walk in righteousness, seek peace, and pursue it and celebrate unspeakable joy in the Lord, wherein one will find great strength, now and in the days ahead. Repentance means action and it is a daily spiritual conditioning process. Do it daily! Do it now, for the day of the Lord is at hand.
Scripture Meditation:
Matt. 4:17, Joel 2:11; 12 & 13, Romans 14:17
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for this announcement about Your soon return and for the revelation on repentance. Father, I realize that apart from You, I can do nothing. I am a sinner lost without You. I confess every sin to You this day, sins of omission and sins of co-mission. I repent of those things that are contrary to Your will and to Your way. I pray according to Your holy Word, that if I confess my sin, that You are faithful and just to forgive me of my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Search me and know my heart; try me and know my ways and see if there is any wicked way in me, then lead me in the way everlasting. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior and then fill me with Your Precious Holy Spirit, who will empower me to grow in righteousness, peace, and joy. Order my steps in Your Word O Lord. Lead me and guide me daily as I seek to do all that brings glory and honor to Your Most holy and Precious name. I surrender my life to You O Lord for it is in You that I live and move and have my being. I seal these petitions under Your authority, that Powerful and matchless name of Jesus, the name that makes faith works and I seal it all with the precious blood of the Lamb. Now I release all these things to You in the spirit of thanksgiving and Kingdom expectation. For You said that You will answer me when I call. Thank you Lord for hearing and attending to my prayer. Amen
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