When we fail to repent, it lets the weeds of sin grow in our hearts. Our hearts are like a garden; weeds naturally grow in a garden, and because of our sinful nature, they also grow in our hearts. Each day, we sin and must continually come to the Lord and confess our sins so He can pull them out of us.
David wrote in Psalm 51:10, as he confessed his sin, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” [1] The Lord both cleans our hearts and brings renewal to our spirit. Sometimes, we struggle with a habitual sin, such as an addiction, but this doesn’t mean we can’t confess our sins to the Lord to help us overcome them.
My repentance makes more sense when I realize I can’t escape my sin and need the Lord’s help. We must remember that the Lord is the source of our desire and ability to turn away from our sins. Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who strengthens me. [2] The Lord is the one who gives us the power to repent as the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. Remember, as we struggle with our sins, we can boldly approach the Lord’s throne, and change occurs one day at a time.
The Religious Leaders Failed to Repent
Jesus told the religious leaders a parable about a vineyard that wicked farmers tended. In their greed, they killed the owners’ servants sent to collect the rent. The owner eventually sent his son, thinking they would respect him, but they killed him, too. As Jesus told them the parable, the religious leaders realized they were the wicked farmers.
When the prophet Nathan confronted King David with his sin, he quickly repented. Unlike David, the religious leaders did not repent and then worked in an attempt to kill Jesus. Matthew 21:45 When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet. [3]
At some point, these religious leaders passed into eternity and would have to face Jesus as a judge. Hebrews 9:27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment[4] Although our bodies may die, our souls live forever in heaven or hell. These religious leaders are in eternity now, and if they did not repent, they are separated from God in hell forever.
Repentance Brings Restoration
Acts 3:19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.[5] These words from the Lord change everything. Repentance not only initiates God’s grace, but it also offers us freedom. After repenting, God gives the ability to move past failures and His peace. When we repent, we turn away from our shame and sin, turn to our heavenly Father’s loving arms, and commit to avoiding sin.
To learn more about when we fail to repent, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/parable-of-the-tenants
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.