“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.”
Ezekiel 18:30-31, NIV.
Unless you own it, you cannot give it away. Old Blue has been a faithful truck. He’s pulled boats and hauled cargo for many years, but in an effort to downsize my possessions, I am letting my friend go to a new home. Even though the plan is to give the truck away instead of selling it, proof of ownership must be shown first. The transaction required a copy of the title, many signed legal papers and a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Giving something away is quite the process.
God is a generous Giver, this is an undeniable fact. Just look around you at all of the natural beauty He has provided for our pleasure. At every season of the year, but particularly at this time when the leaves begin to turn every color in the rainbow, we can witness an explosion of God’s generosity. However, His most excellent gift came to us in the form of a tiny baby. Jesus lived among us and exhibited the heart of His heavenly Father, hoping we might one day, want to meet Him face to face. To offer life beyond the confines of this universe, Jesus had to show proof, that He owned the right to such an amazing gift. He displayed His “title” of ownership on a wooden cross for all to see. Yes, it was quite the process but was necessary to fulfill the transaction of transfer from the Savior to the sinner.
Now, there is a bit of a twist in the process. When possession of Old Blue was transferred, the new owner had to receive it then officially. It was necessary to show proof of identification to make the switch. How do you and I make the transfer of title from “sinner” to “righteous?” The answer is to “repent” and “turn away from [our] offenses.” This means we confess to being the one for whom Jesus gave His life. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
At the completion of the transfer, an amazing bonus awaits! In addition to spending eternity with Jesus, immediately, the title comes with “a new heart and a new spirit.” Wow! Can you believe it? God wants you to believe “it.” My Old Blue has a new home now. What about you? Where are you in the transfer process with Jesus? Confess. Repent. Believe. Receive. He is waiting.
Dear God, I do confess that I am a sinner. Forgive me of all of my wrongdoing. I believe Jesus died for me so that I might live eternally with You. I accept His gift. Thank You, for this new beginning and the promise of a new heavenly home! AMEN.