Read 1 Kings 21:1-16
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah” (Acts 3:19-20 NLT).
We’ve all seen those bumper stickers and church signs urging us to “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Well-intentioned? Sure. But often missing the mark? Absolutely. They focus on preserving a commercialized image of “baby Jesus” rather than embracing the full, transformative power of Christ in our lives. The real challenge isn’t just keeping Christ in a holiday—it’s keeping Christ in Christian.
Part 15: Don’t Ignore the Need for Repentance. One of my favorite characters in the Bible has always been Elijah, because he seems like such a real person to me. Sure, there are the miracles, but those are God’s work, not Elijah’s. Elijah was bold, but he was often fearful. Consequently, Jezebel has always been a person of interest for me. She’s seemingly evil, a master politician who demands her own way, as rulers often do. So, she makes for a great illustration for our devotion today. Let’s take a moment to explore a scene with Jezebel, not from the Bible, but from our biblically-grounded imaginations.
In ancient Israel, a world less different from our own than we realize, Queen Jezebel ruled with an iron fist, her power and influence unmatched. Among her court was a prophetess named Alicia, who had been deeply influenced by the teachings of Elijah. Unbeknownst to Jezebel, Alicia had come to know God through Elijah’s prophetic work and the miracles she had witnessed. This newfound faith gave her a unique perspective on justice and mercy, which often put her at odds with Jezebel’s ruthless policies.
One day, Alicia had a dream from God revealing Jezebel’s plan to orchestrate the death of Naboth, a righteous man who refused to sell his vineyard to King Ahab. Moved by compassion and a desire to see justice tempered with mercy, Alicia tried to warn Jezebel about the consequences of her actions. However, Jezebel mocked Alicia’s warning and demanded that she apologize for daring to question her authority. Alicia refused, standing firm in her conviction that pleading for mercy was not something to be ashamed of. “I will not apologize for pleading for mercy,” she said.
Enraged by Alicia’s defiance, Jezebel had her thrown into the dungeon. Meanwhile, Jezebel carried out her plan, using deceit and manipulation to have Naboth stoned to death. As Alicia languished in prison, she reflected on the true meaning of repentance and the importance of standing against injustice, even in the face of overwhelming power.
This journey mirrors our own struggle with repentance and accountability. When we refuse to acknowledge our role in systemic injustices or personal wrongdoing, we risk perpetuating harm and ignoring the transformative power of repentance.
In Acts 3:19-20, Peter calls the people to repentance, emphasizing that this act of turning away from sin leads to forgiveness and restoration. This passage highlights the importance of repentance in our ongoing relationship with God, not just at conversion but throughout our lives. It’s a reminder that repentance is a continuous process, one that requires us to confront our own biases and complicity in injustice.
Repentance is not just a personal act; it also has broader implications. When we repent, we’re not only seeking forgiveness for ourselves but also aligning our actions and values with God’s will. This can lead to a more compassionate and just society, as we begin to see the world through God’s eyes and act accordingly.
In our daily lives, we often face situations where repentance is necessary—whether it’s acknowledging our role in social injustices, recognizing our complicity in environmental degradation, or simply turning away from personal sins that harm ourselves or others. By embracing repentance, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and a more authentic expression of our faith.
Moreover, this call to repentance challenges us to confront the power structures that perpetuate injustice. It encourages us to stand with those who are marginalized and oppressed, just as Alicia stood against Jezebel’s tyranny. This isn’t about being confrontational or divisive; it’s about living out our faith in a way that reflects God’s love and justice.
As we reflect on Alicia’s journey, we’re reminded that true repentance requires courage and humility. It involves recognizing our own limitations and biases, and being willing to listen to and learn from others. In a world where power often silences dissenting voices, repentance gives us the strength to speak truth to power and to challenge systems that perpetuate harm. Let us boldly do so in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Repentance is not just about forgiveness; it’s about transformation and a renewed commitment to living in harmony with God’s will.PRAYER
God, guide us in the path of repentance, that we may turn from our sins and toward Your loving presence. May our hearts be transformed, and may we live out Your will in our lives. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.