When God Requires Repentance

September 11 2016 Psalm 14. 1-7, *Luke 15.1-10 “When God Requires Repentance” Pastor Jacqueline Hines

Years ago, I met with a two women for prayer every week or so over the course of seven years. One was a church musician and public school music teacher. The other was a Methodist elder who gave up her credentials and rights as an elder because she no longer felt comfortable with the conversations that the United Methodist Church was having around sexuality. I was working in Cokesbury Methodist bookstore while serving in a United Methodist Church, substituting in the public school system and teaching English in a couple community colleges.

Our time of prayer could last from one to three hours. [slide # 1 seeking God…] It could include going out for dinner or taking a short trip together. There was a whole lot of laughter and serious theological discussions that have stayed with me even to this day. There was tremendous emotional comfort and spiritual growth and intellectual insight. It was beautiful time. [slide # 2 heart in the clouds]

We were all different, of course, and when one of us was not around, we would talk about the other. We would celebrate each other’s strengths and complain about the irritants. Like many human beings, “we were set in our ways” and changing any irritating habits was as likely as moving a mountain.

Two of us complained to each other again and again and again and again and again about our other sister’s annoying habit of pontificating, acting like she could never be wrong, ever. For years we endured, for the sake of the good Lord, what we considered to be her very bad and annoying habit. Then one day came a breakthrough. [slide # 3 breaking through a wall] She confessed that she understood that she had an annoying habit of always wanting to be right and never wanting to be wrong and she was going to try to do better.

As she spoke the truth, I am sure our faces showed the kindness, gentleness, and compassion that was expected of us, but in our hearts, we were ecstatic, leaping with sheer joy and delight. [slide # 4 dancing snoopy]

It was such a relief to hear her repent, change the status quo, and lighten our load by resolving not to act that way again. [slide # 5 hands raised in praise]

Repentance means a heavy burden is lifted. It was not long before her old attitude slipped back in every now and then, but that day of repentance was a day of rejoicing. It meant so much to us that the truth became the light. [slide # 6 light from Heaven] It was a burden lifted for her, too.

Repentance is another one of God’s wonderful blessings. [slide # 7 repentance] Repentance is a blessing that comes as we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit with every act of kindness, every good deed, every honorable thought, every Word of God read and heard, and every worship song sung. Repentance is so sweet that it makes up for some bitter moments where we have lost precious hours and days and even years that could have been better.

All of us have experienced some losses. Like Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin, we have lost family and friends through death or indifference. We have lost valuable resources. Jesus says in verse 4. [slide # 8   verse 4“Which one of you,…] “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?

In verse 8 he says, [slide # 9   verse 8 having  ten silver coins] “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?...”  

We have suffered some losses, and we have rejoiced greatly when people and things are wonderfully restored to our lives!

Like Jesus says in verse 7 “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. [slide # 10  verse 7 “…more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents…]    

You can probably think about several persons and situations that if they were changed, you would shout for sheer joy. But, at the moment they seem hopelessly and stubbornly lost. Perhaps it is those neighbors who do not care if you think they are too loud, or that family member who for the life of them can’t see how forgiving someone who hurt him or her 30 years ago will bring healing to the whole family. You may have a friend who betrays you and acts as if it is their privilege to do so.

God gives us strength to bear with one another and deal with one another when we step on one another’s toes. God helps us respond with grace and truth and care and love and peace. God does not just help those who help themselves, God helps all who are willing to let go of his or her own will and surrender to God’s will which can sometimes mean surrendering to each other’s will. As the world turns, [side # 11 world] we too need to be checking our direction and making sure we are on the right path at all times.

It takes supernatural strength to change for the better. What is it that you need to change for God’s sake today? What is it that has caused grief and frustration to those around you? Surrender to God and let God take control. It is scary, I know, but it is good. [slide # 12 joyful dancing]

Going in the wrong direction can be an accident waiting to happen. The impact can be dreadful, but whenever there is an accident we either act like police officers who divvy out blame and punishment or we work fast and furiously with kindness and compassion to save lives. From time to time, both roles can be helpful. They can help us get back on the path that leads to peace and victory. [slide # 13 time for a change]

At the same time repentance is not as Korean pastor Hyung Jin Moon put it, ‘ repentance is not self-hatred, not putting the spotlight on ourselves and our sinfulness, but putting the spotlight on God and trusting God’s loving guidance.

Self-pity keeps us focused on ourselves. We should take the focus from ourselves and instead thank God for His forgiving Love. Our Love for God and for others is the best motivation for change.’ May the Spirit fill us to overflowing with such a love that repents, that is ever moving and turning around in the direction that brings joy! [side # 14 mourning into dancing] Amen.