Re-Think Repentance

“But I will let a few of my people escape destruction, and they will be scattered among the nations of the world. Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember me. They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. Then at last they will hate themselves for all their detestable sins. They will know that I alone am the LORD and that I was serious when I said I would bring this calamity on them. [Ezekiel 6.8-10]

In the narrative of Ezekiel's prophecy above, do we realize that later, when disaster is being doled out, there is  group that is spared... Can you guess who that is?

Then the glory of the God of Israel rose up from between the cherubim, where it had rested, and moved to the entrance of the Temple. And the LORD called to the man dressed in linen who was carrying the writer’s case. He said to him, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.” Then I heard the LORD say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! Kill them all—old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin right here at the Temple.” So they began by killing the seventy leaders. [Ezekiel 9.3-6]

The ones spared the terrible disaster were, "all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city." This doesn't sound to me like people proudly declaring anything - but quite the opposite! It sounds like people who "hate themselves for all their detestable sins." It sounds to me like people who take responsibility not only for their own actions, but those of their city.

Is it right for us today to proudly declare our freedom and blessing in Christ when we are surrounded by terrible things going on right out in front of God and everyone? Have we forgotten that we are still part of humanity and, as such, are part of the problem (regardless how "blessed" we are individually)?

I think we need to re-think repentance.

Father, forgive me for my part in the disgusting events taking place in the United States right now and all around me today. I am a human and as such, I am a part of the gross disregard for You found on this planet earth. Please forgive me - please forgive us.