Read: Luke 13:1-9.
Jesus was addressing people’s questions about those who had died in tragic accidents. Did these people die because they sinned? Jesus points out that the questioners misunderstand the work of God. The people asking Jesus are in the same situation as those who died tragically. Jesus says, “. . . unless you repent, you will all perish as they did” (Luke 13:3, 5).
Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree to point out the immediate need for repentance. We can easily see the call to repentance as a requirement to be remorseful with a commitment to do better. However, biblical repentance is much more than that. It is a discovery filled with a passionate desire to have what is missing in life, God’s steadfast love (Psalm 63:1-8).
In Isaiah 55 the invitation to the free feast describes this kind of repentance, a change from hunger and poverty to being fully satisfied without want. True repentance brings not only regret but joy, a gladness that does not want to be delayed. How can repentance or being sorry for something done or said bring you joy?
Pray: God of steadfast love, my soul thirsts for you as in a dry land without water. Help me to hear your urgent call to repentance. Help me to be fully satisfied without want. Amen.