Repentance: A Postscript

Pastor Randy Corbin, Transitional Lead Pastor

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”  Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him:  “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”  And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:60-62, NIV)

Do you not find it interesting how Peter responded when conviction fell upon him?  He went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter did not rationalize and say, “I know, Lord, but if I had identified with you, they could have killed me. Sorry.”  Or, “Lord, forgive me, it came up so suddenly, I didn’t know what to say.”  Or, “Please overlook my misstep, Jesus, I have this family tendency to lie on occasion.” Or, “Lord, you know my weakness, forgive me.”

Surely true repentance must look more like Peter’s response than like ours sometimes.  Peter demonstrated true Bible repentance.  He was convicted, broken, defenseless, excuseless and full of tearful regret.

When the Lord looks straight at you and me over our sinful actions, thoughts, or attitudes, do we ask for forgiveness in the context of rationalizing, downplaying it, or passing it off as a simple goof?  Or, do we see the ugliness of sin, the hurt and offense it is to Jesus and kneel before Him with broken hearts and willful resolve to do all that is in our power to never go that way again?

May God, by His Spirit show us the path to genuine, heart transformation repentance!