This past week was an interesting week for sure. The word repent came up a couple of times. This word is such a churchy word and admittedly not very popular in modern day vernacular. However, for practicing Christians it is an important word as it means to turn away from something (that isn’t good for us) and turn instead to God.
Several days ago, I received a call from a young gal who stated that she and her three roommates were being terrorized by some unseen force in the house they were renting. The daily, scratches, knockings, growling, and invisible footsteps were becoming too much for them to handle. As I spoke with this gal, I asked her if she or her roommates were engaging in any occultic practices. I asked if they had participated in Ouija board or Tarot card reading. She jumped on the Tarot card and said that her three roommates all participate in regular Tarot card readings. I told her I thought that might be the problem and she and her roommates should get rid of the Tarot cards and repent and turn to God. She said, “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to work.” Apparently, the four of them haven’t had good experiences with church and God in the past, and she didn’t think they would be willing to give up the cards. I told her I didn’t think this “thing” was going to leave them alone until they were willing to get rid of the cards. She said that she would talk with her roommates that evening about what I said and thanked me for the suggestion.
The second time I encountered the word repent was when my wife and I were out on a date. We had just finished dinner and were heading to where our car was parked. As we approached a busy intersection there was a large bearded man holding a microphone. His speaker was placed at his feet and he was telling all who passed by that they needed to repent from their sins. If they didn’t, they were going to hell and that their only hope of salvation was through Jesus Christ. A young college age kid was walking by and didn’t take too kindly to the amplified message and in no uncertain terms said, “F_ _ _ Jesus!”
It is interesting how the message of repentance was articulated in both instances. The first, although it was by way of a phone call, was extended through care and compassion. The second by way of amplified yelling.
I don’t know too many people who have been yelled into repentance!