October 30, 2021

We had our small group meeting this morning at 6 a.m. Today we discussed REPENT, again. Repeating the “repent” topic from weeks ago. The question posed from Psalms. 51:1-12 was: David seems to be rejoicing at the opportunity to repent and be forgiven. What would happen if you viewed repentance as an opportunity rather than a barrier? ¹

My one-word answer was HOPE!  And then I presented this question. “How do you think the story might have gone had Judas not killed himself?” Wow! In comparing Jesus’s care and concern for Peter in John 21:15-17 (do you love me, feed my sheep) how might have Jesus dialoged with Judas had Judas lived, allowing that very special conversation with Jesus?

Peter did not come to Jesus to say he was sorry or ask for forgiveness. Jesus, being filled with love, grace, and mercy, instituted that conversation with Peter, for his three-time denial of him. The thought of Jesus instituting conversation with Judas to cover him with His love, grace and mercy brought me to tears.

Take everything you know about Jesus, the reason for His coming, living, and dying. Take everything you know about the love, grace, mercy, and compassion, that He so graciously held out to Peter, and then hold that out to those who are lost, depressed, hopeless, and feeling totally alone. Present to them this question; “How do you think the story might have gone had Judas not killed himself?” “How do you think your story might go if you permit such amazing love, grace and merciful conversations with Jesus in your own life?”

Taking time to truly see Jesus as love personified will grant you the joy and privilege to see repentance as the greatest opportunity you will ever take.