Friday, April 2, 2010

Remorse or Repentance?


Some 2ooo years ago today, the heavens and the earth fell silent as they mourned for the prince who would no longer exist in human form.

I wonder what the evening felt like when Jesus breathed His last and claimed, "It is finished!"

What were the feelings beyond utter grief and sadness for those that knew Him and now were without hope? Did any remember his words that He'd be back in three days or did they forget the power He possessed over death?

The Bible declares that when Jesus was on the cross it was about noon and the whole land became dark until 3pm because the sun did not shine and curtain in the Temple was torn in two.

Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, I give You My life." After Jesus said this, He died.

Joseph from Arimathea came and took Jesus' body down and laid in the tomb before sundown on Passover.

Yet two betrayed Jesus that day. Judas did it with a kiss, Peter with an oath in the courtyard. Both of them had heard Jesus predict their disobedience, and both were crushed at their own sins.

Judas unwilling to face his guilt, commits suicide.

Peter, shattered by his sin, broke down and wept like a child. Peter opened himself to confession, forgiveness, and resolve.

In the years that followed, Judas became an embarrassing memory.

Peter changed the world.

Remorse and repentance.

Two similar words, with incredibly potent differences.

When caught in sin, its very tempting to throw ourselves to the ground, groveling in remorse. But the message of these two unforgettable disciples is that while remorse ends a life, true repentance starts one all over again.

Jesus Christ has already died for your sin.

He paid the full price for it on the cross.

Recognize your failure, receive your pardon, and go forward in victory.

Don't let it be the end of your life - let it be a new beginning.

Today at preciously 3pm after beautiful blue skies all morning long and warm temperatures, the skies here grew cloudy and the sun failed to shine. Coincidence or not? 2000 years ago today that very same thing happened! Let us not forget the price that He ultimately paid today!

Come quickly Lord Jesus, we await your return as promised!

11 comments:

Skoots1moM said...

oh, how He suffered for His creation...prayers we ALL take on true remorse and repentance from our hearts not just our heads.

Saleslady371 said...

It is so important to repent quickly, too. Easter blessings to you and your family!

Love,
Mary

Mari said...

We just came from Good Friday services where we heard about the darkness on the land and the finished work of Christ. Thanks for this post.
PS - how is the recovery coming? I'm still praying for you.

Denise said...

God bless your Easter.

Beth E. said...

You speak the truth! I am so thankful that Jesus died for me...ME! That's very humbling to think about, isn't it?

Blessings to you this Easter!

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

Thank you my friend for sharing this post today. I posted a video of the last few hours of Christ's death. It breaks my heart to watch it . . . but I believe every person. . . believer or non believer needs to know how much HE suffered for us.
Praying for you too.
In HIS HANDS,
Bren

petrii said...

Kat,
I've thought so much about the meaning of this day. Thank you for such a beautiful post.

Love you friend,
Dawn

wendy said...

That was a beautiful post and help special meaning for me at this time.
thank you for that.

Debbie Petras said...

Repentence and turning away from our sin; going in the opposite direction is so important. It's a choice we each must make.

I continue to pray for you as you go through your time of healing.

Hugs,
Debbie

Rita said...

He paid the ultimate price for our freedom! Have a wonderful Easter

Kathy C. said...

What a clear and beautiful description of the differences between the two....very well said.
Blessings!