True repentance shows a heart change. The word in the Greek is a military term meaning ‘about face’ (a reversal of direction; to turn 180 degrees).
Remember, Joseph and Benjamin were sons of Rachel and were favored by Isaac. This was the reason why Joseph was sold into slavery in the first place. Remember, who suggested it?
“So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.” Genesis 37:26-27
Now we see a change of heart that leads to a change in actions. Judah says this, “For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father forever.’ Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?”” Genesis 44:32-34
Judah stepped into Benjamin’s place and he did not want to see his father hurting. This never concerned Judah before but now he recognized his sin and did not desire to repeat his folly. He also showed a heart of compassion that once was not evident.
The same with us today. When we have truly repented, the actions in our lives should show a repentant life. The things we once did that went against the teachings of Jesus and His example, we do not have a heart to do anymore. When the Spirit of God enters our lives there is a deeper compassion for others than ever before. We have been changed; we have been transformed.
“among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,” Ephesians 2:3-4
“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:10-11
But God... through Jesus Christ... reconciled! I pray that our lives reflect repentance from being children of wrath to be children of God. What is your “I was once blind but now I see” story? May our lives represent the goodness of the Lord.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.