04
"U-turns"
Kyle Lum"But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk!
And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts." (Revelation9:20-21NLT)
The judgment and trials of the last days are unfolding in the vision before John, and boy, it's not a pretty sight for those who never had a relationship with Jesus Christ in their lives.
Scrolls are opened, the trumpets now being blown, there is death and destruction and misery and agony...mind you, these are folks who refused God at so many opportunities!
And this plague...of "locusts" that do not kill, but torment. Inflicting pain with no relief, not even from death! Yet...
They still don't repent of their sins and turn their hearts to God. Even at this phase of judgment and infliction of "stimulus"...God's invitation remains open, for those who choose to repent.
Is it possible that there are those who are so determined not to acknowledge Jesus, or so attached to their sinful lifestyle, that even in the unfolding of the end times there is no repentance in the midst of the unleashing of God's wrath?
Surely, in our current place in our "end times" I have friends who are devout atheists, who refuse to acknowledge God, calling the bible a "fairy tale" and miracles as "coincidences", choosing instead to celebrate the superiority of mankind...
But God allows the U-turn. The ability to stop where we are and turn to Him, anytime, any where, no matter how bad it was.
It's repentance. And it is a choice.
As a believer, I mess up. Everyday. Some days are blatant and almost intentional rebellion from God's best. Most days are slip-ups that sidetrack me from keeping my eyes on Jesus, my mind full of His instruction, my heart full of His grace.
The remedy? It's as simple as stopping, recognizing my folly ("coming to my senses" as Jesus calls it), calling out to God asking for forgiveness, and making an intentional "U-turn" in heart and mind. It's simple as that.
But it's not always easy. It takes humility, self-denial, and sometimes a "sting" or two. Maybe that's what keeps many from truly repenting and seeking Jesus daily. There is no sin we indulge in that is worth the justice He will administer in the end.
I will choose repentance, here and now; it really keeps my heart and mind free and clear. And it can start a quiet revolution of humility, that is so needed in this day and age.
God, You give us so many chances...even in John's vision of the times to come, in the midst of torment and destruction, You make the option. You truly desire our turning from sin in repentance and turning to You, until the very end.
Help us to see that it's not rocket science to repent, but it does cost us our pride and self-reliance. Give us the courage to practice repentance daily. Amen!
