THURSDAY June 23, 2022
True Repentance
On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Now, ask the priests concerning the law, saying, “If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?” ’ ” Then the priests answered and said, “No.”
Haggai 2:10-12
God desired to bless His people, but for the longest time, the Jews failed to confess their sin; they neglected to repent. King Cyrus had given them a generous amount of money and provisions to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, but they spent all the money on themselves (Ezra 1:1-6).
Once again, God spoke to the prophet Haggai, who faithfully gave His message to the people. God dealt with the issue of the Law of God––as they had forgotten the priority of His Word. He asked the religious leaders, the priests, a question: “If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?” ’ ” Of course the answer was, “No.” The point God was trying to make was that the people offered offerings that were unclean. Their worship and the works of their hands were unacceptable––unholy––in HIs sight.
With so much work to be done––the restoration of the walls of Jerusalem, the beautiful gates, and the Holies of Holies––where was the people’s obedience? God requires obedience, not sacrifice. Therefore, any offerings and sacrifices the people gave were unclean before a holy God. What was necessary was true repentance.
God’s Word convicts and causes you to take an examination of your life. Understand, you can give to the Lord and attend church, but what about your life? Are you still living a life of sin? God requires obedience. He desire true repentance. Are you willing to repent and submit yourself to His will? Stop the pretense. Then He can bless your life.
Legalism is looking to something besides Jesus Christ in order to be acceptable and clean before God.
~Timothy Keller~
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