03 Apr Radical Repentance and the Resurrection
This morning I sat with a group of men that I ride bikes with a few times a week. One of my friends, David, shared with me an amazing story that highlights how God is still at work despite the discouraging headlines we see today.
He received an email this week from a former employee which stated the following:
Dear David, I’m writing you because 20 years ago while I was working for you I took something from you that was valuable to you and your business. One day, while at work, I stole about $500 from the til. Today, I am writing to you to ask you for your forgiveness. I have recently become a Christian and in the tradition of Zaccheaus, I will pay 4X what I took from you. Therefore, I am sending you $2,000….”
What an amazing story of heartfelt repentance! Lately, there is so much talk about programs, policies, and plans that people hope will improve society. The headlines present a depressing picture, and as we consider the proposed solutions, our hearts sag because it seems so futile. But for the Christian, there is tremendous hope, for the gospel is the greatest hope for the world to change.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” -Romans 1:16 (The Apostle Paul)
This story above happened in the heart of a culture that is falling apart – rejecting biblical truth – in the most pagan and lost part of Europe. Yet Christ’s power shines in the darkness! As we reflect on his resurrection this year, we rejoice in the only and best hope for humanity. It is a hope founded upon the historical event of an historical person. He entered humanity on a mission. That mission was to set the world free from sin and its corrupting evil through his atoning death and resurrection.
Thanks be to our great God for his mighty salvation. He turns hearts to himself in the midst of the darkest night, and the most rebellious of cultures. He is at work in our world, even when it seems like he is not. His plans endure forever. Happy Easter friends! May your hearts be full of his resurrected joy!!
He is Risen