John the Baptist and Yeshua inaugurate their missions with the identical proclamation-“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This dynamic phrase reminds us that repentance prepares the way to receive the kingdom. The kingdom cannot come to an unrepentant heart.
The word repentance is usually translated from some variant of the Hebrew “shuv” in the Tanach. Generally, it is translated from “metanoia” in the Greek Scriptures. These words share some aspects of meaning but “shuv” is primarily to turn or return and “metanoia” is to change one’s mind. To repent is to recognize a destructive thing or pattern in our life and turn from it and change our mind in regard to participation in the pattern. Repentance describes change and decision.
Effective repentance requires a standard or plumb line by which to evaluate our lives. Lamentations 3: 40 Let’s examine and search out our ways, And let’s return to Yahweh. It is impossible to know how to turn or where to turn or how to change our minds if we do not have a template to follow.
While repentance can certainly be seen as a gift it is important to see that unless we engage with God’s Word, repentance remains unavailable. The first step performed by the officiating priest in the Tabernacle was washing in the Laver. Washing was to occur before making a sacrifice and following a sacrifice. Exodus 30:20, “when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they do not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire [sacrifice] to Yahweh.”
Exodus 37:8 reveals that the Laver was made from the mirrors of the women who served at the doorway of the Tabernacle. In Ephesians 5:26 Paul tells us that God cleanses his bride by the washing of the water of the Word. In James 1 the author portrays the Word as a mirror or looking glass. When we look into it and respond to its message we can be saved. James 1:21, “Therefore, ridding [yourselves] of all filthiness and [all] that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”
Therefore, as we prayerfully ponder these 40 days of repentance while seeking His favor, one of the vital steps for us to take is to study the Word, meditate on the Word, implant the Word that we might be cleansed and transformed. Isaiah 55:8, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ declares Yahweh. ’For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.’”
Repentance is the act of washing our minds and bodies in the truth of God’s Word and laying down our own ideas and those of our culture and purposely aligning our ways and thoughts with God’s ways and thoughts.
Repentance is the act of shouting “yes” to God’s call and his Word. Isaiah 30:15b, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.”
John Conrad
BYNA Elder
