About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. "Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?" Jesus asked. "Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too."
Key Thought
The word repent carries with it all sorts of images, depending on one's background. Jesus is concerned that we understand one central concept with the word repent - turn around! He wants each of us to realize that living life as we think best, as seems best to us, is a disaster. We need to turn around and let him set our values, direction, and lifestyle. Each of us, left to our own best choices, is going to fail ultimately. So we need to repent - to change our hearts and lives, turn around, and go in his direction.
Today's Prayer
Father, I find myself sometimes full of pride and self-confidence, thinking that I can determine the best way and the best direction for my life. Yet, dear Father, I recognize that unless I turn around and follow Jesus, my life is ultimately headed for destruction. Today, dear Father, I recommit to begin each new day with a passion to live for you, guided by your Spirit, and living with Jesus as my Lord. I know that some of my activities may not be significantly different, but I do know that the purpose of my doing them will be different. I know that other things I have chosen to do in the past, I will not do because they do not honor you or reveal your character in me. Bless me as I seek to live for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Acts 2:38-41
- Acts 3:19-20
- Acts 17:27-31
Illustration
Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, August 24, 2023
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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