Repentance

In this Luke 24:13–53 devotional, walk with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, witness his appearances to the disciples, and see his ascension into heaven. Discover how the risen Christ opens the Scriptures, strengthens faith, and sends his followers to share the message of repentance and forgiveness with the world.

What does Zacchaeus teach us about true repentance? This Luke 19:1–10 devotional explores how an encounter with Jesus transforms the heart, changes our actions, and reveals the power of salvation.

A friend called my wife, Lori, to say she was troubled, and struggling to grasp any sense of order. She was watching the news, absorbing all that was going on in the world, and was overwhelmed. She saw the mayhem and divisiveness and reached out for encouragement.

Repentance is a word that doesn’t get a lot of positive press these days. We would like to blame it on the times we live in, but honestly, people have had trouble with repentance since Genesis 3. Today, let’s consider why repentance gets such bad press.

A friend called Lori to say she was scared and feeling helpless. She was watching the news, absorbing all that was going on in the world, and was overwhelmed. She saw the craziness and confusion and reached out for encouragement.

Temptation appeals to our senses—our spiritual, emotional, and physical senses. That was the lure for Eve in the garden, and we have followed the pattern ever since.

Forgiveness is a tremendous spiritual truth! What could be better? When we genuinely go to the Father with repentance, he is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He “blots out” our transgressions from the record and chooses to forget our sins (Isaiah 43:25). David writes that God removes our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

So, it’s time to change course. God’s great mercy is just a step away from secret sin. When you admit your sin and walk away from it, you will find the relief of forgiveness. Instead of the stress of hiding your sin, restoration will come to your contrite soul. Instead of hiding in the darkness, you can walk openly in the freedom of obedience. It’s time to stop the secret games and make the journey home to God’s welcoming arms of mercy.  

True repentance experiences the guilt of disobeying God and the desire for his forgiveness.