One Year Bible - March 24
Scriptures to read:
Matthew 21:1-27; Numbers 17-18; Ecclesiastes 11:1-8
Jesus expressed frustration at the lack of repentance in Israel as he overturned the money changers' tables and cursed the fig tree in today’s passage from Matthew.
Even as we might debate what repentance looks like, we instinctively know what repentance is not – the “non-apology apology”, the doubling down on excuses for unacceptable behavior and a veneer of patriotism masking deep convictions of racial superiority.
We love and celebrate the individuals who came to Christ through profound repentance—the 180 degree turn from rejecting God and instead surrendering to him with every fiber of their being. Such stories are jewels we hold onto, and indeed may be similar to our own story as well.
But what about corporate repentance for societal sin – for matters having macro impact, stretching over decades and generations, that cause deep pain and cultural division? Fervent prayer and personal change is hugely needed, but what else could be part of the mix?
An amazing example comes from Germany after World War II. Led in part by the German church, the remarkably long word Vergangenheitsbewältigung described a process of coming to terms with their past through sincere introspection, public debate, robust literature and thoughtful education. Could the American church catalyze a similar process? Martin Luther King’s “dream” did envision this sort of transformative leadership by believers.
Today’s Numbers and Ecclesiastes passages offer additional perspective. The story of Aaron’s Staff buds in Numbers reminds us to keep our focus on God exclusively (v17:10). The Preacher in Ecclesiastes encourages us to take God’s sovereignty and judgment seriously (v11:9).
Could God be trying to teach us that personal and corporate repentance is two sides of the same coin, and that we need to step out in faith into each arena? Let us consider how to encourage one another to do this.
Memory Verse: And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. - Matthew 21:22
Prayer: Father, we confess our personal and corporate sin, and we pray for the wisdom and strength to repent and to lead others in repentance. Amen.
