Road Signs and Jesus

If you either grew up in the south or travelled in the south before the days in interstate highways, you might remember seeing those road signs, nailed high up on southern pine, that simply said , "Repent."  I honestly don't ever remember thinking that I needed to repent, but I have to admit that was pretty good advice

Jesus was all about reminding those who wanted to follow Him that repentance opened doors. His ministry, according to Mark begins with advice.  "The kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe the gospel!"  When you think about it, what better thing could any of us when confronted with the presence the presence than repent?

In Luke 13, Jesus talks about repentance in very intriguing ways. Some folks asked Him about a horrible deed for which Pilate seems to have been responsible (apparently crucifying Jesus wasn't his only awful deed).  Apparently they thought that was a sign that the victims were "worse sinners" because of how they died.  Jesus says that's the wrong question - we ought all to repent so we don't perish

He then reminded them of a horrible accident where 18 people died when a tower in Siloam fell and killed them.  Again Jesus says that did not mean those 18 victims were more sinful, but events like that remind us all that we should repent.

He then tells the parable of the barren fig tree. That's the story where the owner has patiently waited three years and still there was no fruit. He is ready to cut it down, but the vinedresser asks him to give it one more season. After that, if there is no fruit then it should be cut down. He wants to fertilize it - in hopes that it will become productive.

Sounds like repentance may be the fertilizer of our fruit production!  The word Luke uses is often translated "manure." Manure in the sense of being filled with the kind of nutrients that produce fruit. If the New Testament word for repentance means something like "to change one's way of thinking," then perhaps a part of what Paul has in mind when he says "be transformed by the renewing of your minds" is repentance. We certainly can't make that kind of change without repentance!

Where I find it hard to know what to do with the idea of repentance is not in addressing the obvious sin in my life. But I would never think that covers the subject. The Book of common Prayer has that convicting phrase - "the things I have done, and the things I have left undone."  That can keep you going for a while!  I'm pretty sure it isn't about making a list and checking off as we repent.  But what?

When all is said and done, maybe it is simply the recognition that the presence of Jesus calls me to know I am not the person God created me to be. I don't need to be worried about who is the worse sinner. I just need to recognize that like every other sinner, I don't deserve the presence of Jesus. It's all about grace - for the "good little boys" and the "bad little boys."

Those old, now rusted over signs that said "REPENT" we're actually good advice!