“Therefore, this is what the Lord says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me” Jeremiah 15:19 (a) NIV

When you are born, you born into your family as a child of your parents. In a broader scope, your first birth was into Adam’s race and genealogy inheriting his sinful nature. However, when you are born again, you are born into God’s family as a child of God. You are not represented by Adam anymore. You are now represented by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who saved you and have the Holy Spirit inside you.

Beloved, once you are born into God’s family by the miraculous work of God’s Holy Spirit, you always remain as God’s child. In other words, you cannot cause to unborn yourself from God’s family. (John 10:28-29). No one can snatch you out of Jesus’s and Father’s hands. Nothing and no power can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39). If and when you fall into sin, your relationship as God’s child is still there. However, your fellowship with God is affected. The joy of your salvation in the Lord is impaired.

However, remember you are only one footstep away from restoration to God’s loving fellowship again. Our today’s Bible insight says, “Therefore, this is what the Lord says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me.” The wonderful word is called “repent”. Repentance is not a bad word. It is a beautiful word that unlocks all God’s blessings, love, and care again for you.

When Jesus portrayed the picture of our heavenly father, he used three parables. The parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost son. This is recorded in Luke 15. The owner of the lost sheep, the owner of the lost coin, and the father of the lost son – all had one thing in common. They all looked for, searched for, and waited eagerly for the return of the lost sheep, coin, and son. Luke 15:7 says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Beloved, Peter never thought the Lord Jesus would forgive him because he denied Jesus three times in Jesus’s most painful and lonely time, the night before the crucifixion. Dear ones, the Lord knows even our failures in advance because Jesus predicted Peter’s denial in advance and also promised his intercession for him. (Luke 22:31-32).  After Peter’s restoration, he became a more powerful witness and preacher of Jesus Christ. Lord recommissioned him to serve him more effectively. (John 21). In one super Holy Spirit-filled preaching on the day of Pentecost, three thousand souls were saved when they repented of their sins and accepted Christ as their savior and Lord.

If you have fallen away by sin and lost the loving fellowship of the Lord,  do not think he does not care about you or would not forgive you. The blood of Jesus Christ has the power to clean any and every sin. Agree to the Lord your sins and repent (means turn away from the sinful lifestyle). It is a simple action that has profound significance for the rest of your life. God’s Holy Spirit inside of you will help you to come out of your sins. LORD says in Isaiah 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool.” These are the words of the LORD to his chosen people who went astray from Him.  Like Prodigal son’s loving father, He is eagerly waiting for your return. Repent, and you would be accepted back by the Lord. Bible says in Psalms 27:10, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” May I tell you even if all forsake you and write you off (including parents, spouse, children, and friends), the LORD will receive you and bless you again abundantly when you return to him in prayer?

After you repent, Beloved, you need help, prayer, and support from true believers in a local church. Join a Bible study/prayer group where Jesus loving and grace-filled people would welcome you and you have the opportunity to serve the Lord again. Remember, our Bible insight into your heart. God promises, “Therefore, this is what the Lord says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me.”  The purpose of your restoration is you may serve Him again.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I repent of my sin and agree with you that what I did was wrong in your sight. Please forgive me and cleanse me by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe the blood of Jesus has the power to restore me to your loving fellowship. Please accept me and I surrender my life to serve you. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”