Pondering this afternoon on an aspect of repentance that I had not considered before. Our pastor's sermon this morning was based in Nehemiah 9:32-38--the Israelites' confession in the renewal of their covenant with God after they had rebuilt the Jerusalem wall. The people had had a history of repeated rebellion and repentance in following God and His ways. They are at a point once again of confessing their wrong.Pastor made three points in regard to their confession. First, they recognized that what had been happening to them over the years was their own fault. That is a vital part of confession--that we accept the blame for whatever mess we find ourselves in, that we not blame shift or divert responsibility away from ourselves.
The third point that our pastor made was that repentance is a turning away from our wrongful, sinful ways, and that we turn toward God's righteous ways. It's the 'put off, put on' principle in biblical counseling. We agree with God that our way was wrong and that His way is right. And we turn and go His way. Yes, God accepts us 'as we are,' but He expects us to work in harmony with the Holy Spirit within us to change into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. So we move in that direction.
I was knowledgeable about the first and third points. The second point was a new thought to me, however. Pastor discussed the Israelites' affirmation of the consequences of their actions.
Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress (v. 36-37).
I hadn't actually considered the affirmation of consequences as part of repentance and forgiveness. When I've asked forgiveness from someone, I've typically stated my wrongdoing and asked forgiveness from the person I've sinned against; thus, being brought back into fellowship of spirit with them and with God. But I've not considered the aspect of actually verbalizing the consequences of my offense. But how necessary that is! To realize and give voice to the harm I've caused. It's more than just an 'oops, sorry about that.' It's the evidence of a contrite heart. A heart after God's heart.
Bottom line for me: Own up to the harm I've caused. It's the way upward and onward.
The Readers, 1889 Jacques Emile Blanche 1841-1942
