Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

May 22nd, 2008
UncategorizedMORNING MEDITATION
Categories: Today's Headlines

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise". - Psl. 51:17

At the gateway to the famous Parthenon in ancient Athens there stood an altar dedicated to "Tears". No sacrifices were consumed there, no offerings were made. It was simply a place where the penitent and grief-stricken bowed to weep out their sorrows. Although this may have given some psychological relief, it did not touch their basic need. Grief in itself is of little value if it is only the venting of penned-up emotions. It must have spiritual overtones and effect permanent changes in the life and personality if it is to please the Lord. Even worldly unconverted men usually regret the results of their evil deeds because it adversely affects their own opportunities or social standing. On the other hand, those who are truly repentant are disturbed primarily because they have grieved the heart of God and violated His gracious commands. What all of us need today is more such godly sorrow over sin. True repentance and saving faith are closely bound together. Repentance without faith is useless. Faith without repentance is impossible. Therefore, godly sorrow and saving faith are inseparable twins. True repentance is always accompanied by a sincere attempt to rectify past mistakes, as far as this is humanly possible. The need for such repentance is strongly emphasized in the scripture. See 2 Peter 3:9; 2Cor. 7:9,10; Rom. 2:4; Luke 12:3; Mark 2:17. - H. G. B.