Since I wrote My Apologies, I've been thinking more about repentance and particularly, our attitude of repentance. The contemporary idea of repentance is that it's a laughing matter, like when you apologize for a practical joke between giggles of obvious unrepentance. Sin is a joke, and yes, technically you're sorry for it, but it's not something to really be taken seriously. I find many modern Christians have this idea, and, I admit, sometimes even I do. But this idea of a light attitude in repentance is completely unbiblical. A little while ago I read a confession in Scripture that convicted me for my attitude in repentance, and I want to share it with you.
Here's the background: The confession is in Ezra 9. The book of Ezra follows the story of God's people who have been exiled from their land to Babylon and are now being allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the Lord. God has given them certain laws (like they've always had) and one of them is that they are not to intermarry with people who are not followers of Yahweh, foreigners and idolaters. But in Ezra 9 a big no-no is committed. Ezra, a diligent scribe of the Lord, finds out that the people have gone and violated God's command - they've intermarried with those who hate the Lord, and not only that, but the Levites and the priests and even some of the leaders have encouraged this! To say Ezra was disturbed at this blatant sin is an understatement. Here's what he did:
"When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and robe, pulled out some of the hair from my head and beard, and sat down devastated." (Ezra 9:3)This reaction to sin shocks us a little because our attitude of repentance is so different. When we hear our sin, or at least, when I hear my sin, I don't sit down devastated. First, I try to deny it, justify it and make excuses. And then I get angry or pouty, because of my pride. But not Ezra. He understands the seriousness of sin.
After Ezra had torn his clothes, pulled out his hair and sat down, he remained there until evening. Then he got up, fell down to his knees and prayed to God:
"My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens." (Ezra 9:6)Notice how Ezra humbled himself (physically, but more importantly, spiritually) and came to God with sincerity and authenticity. He's downright embarrassed before God. Ashamed - because of sin. Ezra understands that when you repent you need to be real with God, but also come humbly.
In his prayer, he continues on mourning his people's sin. Then he turns to praise for what God has done:
"But now, for a brief moment, grace has come from Yahweh our God to preserve a remnant for us and give us a stake in His holy place. Even in our slavery, God has given us new life and light to our eyes. Though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings, giving us new life, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem." (Ezra 9:8-9)Ezra understands who God is. The reason he understands sin and repentance is only because he understands God's character. God's holiness and hatred of sin fuels Ezra's repentance. God's grace fuels Ezra's grief. God's protection fuels Ezra's thankfulness.
Finally, Ezra finishes his prayer with a recognition and affirmation of God's goodness and authority.
"Lord God of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnant today. Here we are before You with our guilt, though no one can stand in Your presence because of this." (Ezra 9:15)So today let's learn from Ezra and choose a biblical attitude of repentance. Let's understand the seriousness of sin, be real and humble, know who God is and recognize His authority and goodness.