Repentance

We don't like certain things that tell us..."you're bad", or messages that represent any negative connotation to the reality that...all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. What is amazing is, repentance is not negative, nor is it saying "you're bad". It is simply saying turn around and LOOK. While it eludes to amending for sin it is a reality that WHEN we turn we are confronted with the glory of God we have fallen and do fall short of...even if we are as blameless as Job. For Job, he was righteous, even by God's standard but he had not yet SEEN God. The result was his own revelation that he had fallen short. For Adam, it was the realization that God wanted him back and in that he had fallen short. For Isaiah the prophet, it was...WOE IS ME!! I AM UNDONE!! because he SAW God high and lifted up. For John the beloved who, though exiled...heard, but when he turned around to SEE WHO was speaking he realized he had fallen short. How? Before, he walked with Jesus in the natural earth way we see each other, but he had not seen Christ yet in ALL HIS GLORY and all John could do was collapse in the reality that there is no comparison to him believing Christ and Christ's actually glorious existence in appearing to John. I can't imagine what it would be like...although I try. It must be so amazing that all I could do is cry out as Isaiah did, detest myself as Job did, fall to the earth as John did, or respond as Adam did. The truth is, they all responded. Will you?

Romans 2:4 says, "Or perhaps you despises the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience; because you don't realize that God's kindness is intended to lead you to turn from your sins". (Complete Jewish Bible) In other words, you SEE Him in comparison to yourself and the only decision is to "make a willing purpose to amend and turn from sin". (Strongs Concordance) We like to call ourselves...good. But even Jesus said, why do you call me good, there is no one good but God. Hence, his kindness, forbearance and patience are revelatory of His love, passion and desire for you to turn, so His Christ may amend and give you grace to overcome...to make a willing purpose (not attempt) and turn from sin because HE IS THE ONLY CHOICE. Note it does not include perfection, but the "willing" "purpose" to SEE HIM, humble yourself and confess...Jesus, You Are Lord...not me. Love is the answer (i.e. "kindness, forbearance, patience), Repentance is the call.