For after my turning back I repented,
and after coming to understand I struck my thigh.
I was ashamed and also humiliated,
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.
Jeremiah 31:19
When we are called to this walk of faith, we are being beckoned first to repent. Our repentance is the first badge on our scout jackets for HaMashiach (Hebrew for the Messiah). Our repentance shows our devotion, and that we have chosen to follow the Master. The biblical definition of repentance is not just confessing, nor is it just asking for forgiveness. True repentance is a change of direction from a path leading to destruction, and a returning to a path of life. Before the foundation of the earth the plan of redemption for humanity was already established. The plan of salvation would provide a way for each of us to return to the Father, and seek out His path.
If you have been walking on your own path, turn around, and look for His narrow path that has life and blessings. Today, seek the path of the Father without reservation. On this path is restoration and rest from our wandering. It is only on this path that we have the opportunity to return like the prodigal child did back to his father's house. In the house of our Abba is protection. Under the rules of His house are where we receive His blessings. As we seek the Father, let us remember that the only call is a return to Him. It is not simply a return to a church building. It is not finding a short cut or a different path. It is in His way, and according to His will that we have the opportunity to be restored from our wayward ways.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
Scripture Reading:
From that time Yeshua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17 (KJV)
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is He that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of Yahuah, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when He saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, He said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 3:1-10 (KJV)
Read Isaiah 5:1-24