Bad Things = Need For Repentance

There was a famine during David’s reign that lasted for three years, so David asked the LORD about it. And the LORD said, “The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.” [2 Samuel 21.1]

There was a famine. David asked the LORD about it.

We don't really know how God spoke to David, but we have record that is was, in fact, Him Who spoke to David in answer to David's inquiry about the famine.

The key here is that David sought the LORD about the issue.

David did not assume that it was a weather pattern.

David did not assume it was just a cycle of the earth.

David did not assume that it was a bad genetic mutation of seeds.

David did not say, "It is what it is..."

No, David sought God. And, God answered David. And, God's answer to David was that there was indeed a problem that needed correction.

In other words, there needed to be repentance evidenced by reparations. Repentance is not only the admission of guilt, but it is also the action of correcting what can be corrected.

To those who quickly plead the blood of Jesus and cry out "grace, grace!" I want to remind them that Jesus' work of redemption is of no avail to the unrepentant. In other words, when there is a problem (and we all agree problems abound) we need to ask the LORD about it and be prepared to confess and forsake our sin (individual or corporate) - as it is revealed - specifically under the blood, and in the name of, Jesus.

But this is a "Pandora's Box" isn't it? If we actually did this, we would be repenting all the time, right?

So, what is wrong with repenting all the time? Are we too good to repent all the time? Do we think our time is more valuable than to "waste it" repenting all the time? Do we think we are better than that?

You see, we DO need to remain in a repentant lifestyle. Apart from Jesus' work on our behalf, we are unprofitable in every way. "Our" righteousness is no better than filthy rags.

A repentant life can also be defined as a humble life. A truly repentant man is always humble. A humble man is always repentant. There is no room for pride, but instead, a disgust for pride, because pride is listed as the first thing God hates and resists.

So, when things go wrong in and around our lives ("wrong" can be traced to how things match up in Deuteronomy 28 to blessing or cursing), we need first to acknowledge our guilt by seeking God about it - fully prepared to repent.

I know, I know... it is ridiculous, right? But are not the plagues of cancer, all manners of sicknesses and diseases (even in the midst of the most advanced medicine ever), overbearing financial burdens, and general turmoil like never before evidence enough that SOMETHING IS WRONG? Are we content to say, "It is what it is" without giving even a moment's thought for God's blessing and cursing defined in Deuteronomy 28. Does it not even cross our minds to identify our shortcomings, confess them before God at the cross of Jesus, and repent?

God help us!

It is NOT what it is! Bad situations are the result of sin! To say otherwise is to say, "I do not believe the Bible!"

Wow.

Father, I for one acknowledge that the problems in my life personally and corporately need to be addressed. Tell me what is wrong... I will repent.