SCRIPTURE
"The rest of the people, who were not killed by the plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which are not able to see, hear or walk. And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts". (Revelation 9:20-21)
OBSERVATION
In vivid imagery, John just described seven plagues: a third of the earth was burned up, a third of the ships destroyed, a third of the waters became bitter, terrors from the abyss, and a third of the human race killed by plagues. Talk about a little light reading for the end of the year (this was the 12/27 scripture from the Life Journal). I couldn't get this thought out of my mind, "the rest of the people...did not repent." These are the people who went through some pretty horrific events. Yet, they did not turn their lives around. If I was one of them I surely would have...or would I?
APPLICATION
As I read this I wondered, "what does it take to repent?" Not for the people in Revelation, but for myself. What is the thing that moves me to repent? I can experience heartache and hear of tragedies and natural disasters in the world but my life can find a way to go on without much change. It's as if God is shaking up the world and yet it's hard to get my attention. I've come to this conclusion: repentance has got to be my heart's response to the love of God displayed in the cross of Christ. When I understand what God did for me there, I can't help but be moved to want to respond to him. It's easy to become disillusioned, even angry with God when tragedy strikes. However, how can I become bitter when I look at the cross? I can't. I need to live a life of repentance no matter what my circumstances or what is going on in the world around me. Jesus said when he would be lifted up he would draw people to himself. It is the cross that connects me with God and motivates me to live a life pleasing to him. I guess I don't want to be one of the "rest of the people" but one of the people who finds rest in God.
PRAYER
God, thank you for the cross. The demonstration of your love. May it provide the motivation for me to live a life of repentance...going your way not mine.
