Acts 17:30, 31
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” (NIV)

“God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.” (MSG)

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God commands everyone to repent. 

That sounds like a good Southern Baptist sermon, doesn’t it? And this is where someone asks, “Yes, but what does the word ‘repent’ mean?” 

That’s a good question. The Message paraphrase above helps here. It says, God’s “calling for a radical life change.” We’re turning away from all the little gods we set out around our houses, carry in our pockets, wear around our necks, and tattoo on our skin. We’re turning to the God who created this world and everything in it. We turn to the God who sent His Son as our Savior. 

Why do we need shiny little statues to represent tiny little gods? Why do we need carved wood and stone gods that are as lifeless as the material they were made from? If we become like the gods we serve, what does that say about our destiny if our gods are shiny, hollow, or hard as rock?

The living God wants us to turn away from all those little things that charm us so and turn to Him. He alone is God. He knows each of us and loves each of us with everlasting love. He seeks our highest and best in all things. He draws us to Himself by His grace and in His mercy. 

Way back at the beginning of my years in pastoral ministry, the small churches in our area gathered monthly for singings. (Singings is pronounced sangin’s.) My young bride sang “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” at one of those. She sang it a cappella. Guess what they wanted her to sing every month at the very end of the sangin’? 

 This is a great song, and there are a number of fine renditions. My favorite is Lauren Daigle’s. You can check it out here: [https://bit.ly/4yyom81](https://bit.ly/4yyom81)

That’s the invitation. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. 

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I will turn my eyes upon Jesus. 

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Our Father, thank you for providing us with a Savior who’s not a shiny little trinket. Thank you that you can in no way be represented by something carved from wood or cut from stone. You are the Creator of all things. You are the Redeemer for everyone who turns to you. You know each of us, and you love each of us as if there were only one of us. Thank you for your perfect love and matchless grace. Amen.