The New Year tends to incite reflection upon the events and changes of the year past, and with those reflections come resolutions of self-improvement based upon lingering discontent. Said resolutions are popularly focused on the erasure of bad habits or formulation of good ones, with especial focus on physicality (emotional behaviors do not lend themselves as well to the fad, for one reason or another). For many, these resolutions are short lived, lacking authenticity in commitment; but is this not to be expected, given the context of such assertions? If someone is genuinely convicted of their need to change in some specific aspect, surely they shouldn’t put off the adjustment in preference of a superfluously significant moment in time?
Jesus’s ministry was characterized by testaments to His authority, but much of the content of His preaching consisted of calls to radical repentance and reform amongst the people of Galilee and Judea. His parables often served to expose the hypocrisy of both the social leaders and the common man, and His constant emphasis on God’s righteous and loving character often contrasted sharply with the self-centered lifestyles of the populace. Even before this, John the Baptist had warned the people of their need for change; “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. . . . Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:2,10) The fulfilment of ancient promise was imminent; there was no better time for revival than now.
The responses to these calls were varied. Some enthusiastically forsook their entire livelihoods to follow Jesus and commit themselves to Him (though not all of these were motivated by true repentance). Others outright defied Him in doubt or in offense, closing their ears to His words. But possibly the strangest responses were those such as chronicled in Luke 9:59 and 61: To another He said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” . . . Yet another said, “I will follow you Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” While on the surface these may seem reasonable delays, they belied a reluctance to fully commit unto the radical change Christ was calling them to. His response to them was telling: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
God knows the heart of a person, and He will accept nothing less than complete repentance and devotion (indeed, He is owed as much and more). To put it off till tomorrow demonstrates a lack of appreciation for what is at stake. Every day is a gift we are granted by mercy, a fresh opportunity to experience Grace. If we feel it can wait till tomorrow, then how can we be sure we’ll ever feel ready? Why take such a chance when our very souls are on the line? Rather than put our faith in the power of timely resolutions, better to take the problem in hand as soon as we can, before we no longer have the ability to do so.
Don’t wait. TTT
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