Isaiah 1:167-20 – “Wash! Cleanse yourselves!   Remove your sinful deeds. from my sight.  Stop sinning.  ¹⁷ Learn to do what is right.  Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate.  Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow.  ¹⁸ Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord.  “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.  ¹⁹ If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land.  ²⁰ But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”  Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was both encouraged and troubled, yet also challenged, motivated, and inspired. I can’t detail all that, but I desire to speak from this reminder: Every Restoration and Revival begins with Repentance.  

Isaiah 1:16-20 speaks directly to that reality.  Repentance involves and includes an 180-degree turn in life, thought, motivation, and action.  That’s why John the Baptizer said, “Bring forth fruits that reveal your repentance.”

• Repentance is visible by the demonstrated change. 
• Repentance opens the door to transformation.  
• Repentance is not praying “The Sinner’s Prayer.”

That’s good, but unless it is heartfelt and leads to change, it’s nothing but leaves (words).   Saying “I’m so” doesn’t cut it.  Demonstrating a change reveals true repentance.

I see this connected to the Lord’s Supper (Communion).   In 1 Corinthians 11, we have an extensive discussion about this event.  Paul began by addressing “divisions” and connected them to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Sectarianism is detrimental to Body Life and Ministry.   Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 12.

The Lord’s Supper has a dual focus.   First, the focus is Jesus!   His work of Grace and Love.   He opened the door for there to be a Body of Christ. Second is the Body of Christ.  This is so important that it is included in the Communion ceremony.   

Without the Body, we lack the power and ability to fulfill the purpose, ministry, and commission of the Church.  We are One Body, not mini-bodies of parts that think and act alike.  The Body needs all its parts, and for those parts to be in place, healthy, and working in harmony with all the other parts.  The result of improperly regarding and relating to the body is revealed in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30. The proper action is in (v 31).

Repentance is the key!  As 1 Corinthians 13:1 addresses, just saying the right-sounding words doesn’t cut the mustard.  Repentance attaches us to Love, and Love transforms our minds, hearts, and souls.

We cry for God to move, and God says, “I have; now you move!”   He gave us Jesus.   He gave us grace.   He gave us the pathway: repentance.   He won’t do more until we act on His actions!  When the Body of Christ repents, revival, renewal, and restoration will come!

LORD, help us to have repentant hearts to receive Your Grace and Pardon!