Matthew Chapter 11
Since young, whenever we made mistakes, we were taught to admit our wrongs, apologize and try our best not to repeat it. It was easy to do so as we knew our parents would always find it in them to forgive us, regardless of our faults.
Yet, this simple task has seemingly gotten harder as we grow older. Could it be because we have convinced ourselves that we will not be forgiven?
I was once lost, and like many who have wandered from God, one of the reasons why I found it hard to come back to church was because my convictions had led me to believe that I was not worthy of a second chance. Nevertheless, He did not give up on me and shepherd me back to His flock.
At times, we allow our hearts to be blinded by our perception and judgement. We choose not to see the path God has laid for us because it does not suit our preference, and instead, take it upon ourselves to assess the right time for our return, and whether we are “worthy” to seek forgiveness after wandering astray. But how can we, as man, ever interpret God’s intentions or plans?
Though just and fair, He is also a loving God. We have to recognize that because He loves us, He reminds us repeatedly to treasure the chance to repent while we still have time, lest we perish like the two cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida (Matthew 11: 21). We should not measure His grace with our judgement, nor harden our hearts like the people of Sodom. Instead, believe that God has His time.
As Jesus has said, He has not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). There will be trying times where we find ourselves on the brink of giving up, but I cannot imagine anything worse than losing His’ love and protection. Therefore encourage one another to trust in God’s love and mercy. Take heed to His words and repent, for there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
Just like the parable of the prodigal son, our Father has been waiting for our return with open arms and a feast already prepared (Luke 15:11-32).
We just have to be willing to take the first step and repent while the door of grace is still open, lest we end up like the cities of Chorazin and Bethasaida.
