Awakening to Freedom and Joy from His Gift of Repentance: Day 13
ANZAC Day was founded as a Christian day of remembrance and repentance. Today, we honour all those who have and currently serve in defending our nation. In particular, we remember those who fell during war. Lest we forget.
Intention
To awaken believers in Jesus Christ to His gift of repentance, which brings freedom and joy.
Scripture
“Sow righteousness for yourselves
and reap faithful love;
break up your unploughed ground.
It is time to seek the Lord
until he comes and sends righteousness
on you like the rain.”
– Hosea 10:12
“This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
– Luke 24:46–47
Reflection
God’s gift of repentance remains largely hidden, even among pastors and priests, in today’s Christianity. A lukewarm, potentially apostate, seeker-friendly message is often heard in many ‘Christian’ churches across various nations.
We need to return to the Word to uncover this treasure. Repentance is His gift, not a form of punishment.
We must “break up our unploughed ground” of sin. We all fall short of God’s glory, yet there’s no condemnation. He loves us and desires us to follow Him on His narrow path, “being holy in all your conduct, as He who called you is holy” (1 Peter 1:15).
Repentance was Jesus’ first word when He knew it was time to preach. He opened His public ministry with the message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). That same phrase, along with “bear fruit worthy of repentance”, had previously been spoken by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:8).
The disciples then preached repentance (Mark 6:12), and blessings followed: demons were cast out, and many sick people were healed (Mark 6:13).
The risen Christ calls His disciples today – just as He did 2,000 years ago – to preach repentance first and then remission of sins to all people in all nations (Luke 24:47).
Proclaiming the message of repentance goes beyond just preaching from a podium. ‘Preaching’ can also be done – and possibly most effectively – when others observe our new godly character. We must bear fruit – the fruit of the Holy Spirit – that is worthy of repentance, demonstrating to others that we really dug up that unploughed ground by confessing and repenting of our old sinful behaviours.
The process can be quite simple. Ask the indwelling Holy Spirit which sin issue might be timely to consider. Then, as He reveals it, ask Him to help remove that entire old sin pattern, fully repenting and changing your mind and heart. Those closest to you will then notice the difference: a new, godlier character!
This is a key time for each of us to experience His forgiveness for our sins when we confess them to Him. His Holy Spirit cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
When we come together in a time of repentance – as happened in Australia on April 21 during the National Day of Repentance – He hears from heaven, forgives our sins, and heals our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). May this be a model for all nations!
Video
Prayer
Abba Father, in Jesus’ holy name above all names, please touch minds and hearts with Your gift of repentance today. Through Your Word, reveal that You offer the gift of repentance, enabling us to join the kingdom and engage in a vital process of cleansing from old sinful patterns. Open our minds to understand that repentance is not a punishment; rather, it brings freedom and joy.
May Australia return to its godly roots as You work on our hearts, Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ holy name, amen and amen.
Author Bio
Pastor Jeff Daly is the Founder and Executive Director of National Day of Repentance, a ministry focusing solely on personal and national repentance. This ministry provides resources, including days of repentance in a number of nations, to encourage the Body of Christ in preparation for the Bridegroom’s return.
Prayer Points and Purpose for Turn the Tide 2025
1. A righteous government that upholds truth and Christian values. 1 Timothy 2:1–4
2. Wisdom for voters to perceive the true agenda of political parties. Proverbs 14:15
3. A church that disciples the nation in this window of grace. Matthew 28:18–20
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