The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

Repentance That Touches the Past

Many Americans admire those who practice a rugged individualism. But in our emphasis upon individual freedoms, we often lose sight of our corporate responsibilities. As Christians, we are individuals who are also part of a greater people. We are called to benefit from the work of others, to suffer with others and to bear responsibility with others. While it may not seem fair, our ties reach back to Adam and Eve. Adam’s sin brought condemnation upon everyone (see Romans 5:12). This principle of corporate connection not only makes our salvation necessary but also makes salvation possible through our unity with Christ. “Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:18 – 19).

When the Israelites returned from exile, they had to rebuild not only their cities but also their relationship with God. Even as they had to clear the land in order to lay new foundations, so the people had to reestablish their relationship with God by clearing away the rubble of sin that had plagued them for generations. They had suffered not only because of their own sin but also because of the sin of their ancestors. Therefore, when they made confession, they repented not only for themselves but also for those who had gone before.

This repentance originated with instruction from God’s Word. As the people understood what God required of them and realized how they had sinned, they were overcome with grief. In their repentant grief, however, the people heard the good news of grace. This revived and renewed their love for God and their desire to obey him.

Putting It Into Practice

In light of this passage, we should gain a new sense of responsibility toward the larger communities to which we belong. Consider how you have been affected by the sins of your family, community or nation. Write a prayer of confession that enumerates these “we” sins, both past and present.

Also consider the sins of your own lifetime. In addition to confessing daily sins, strive to recognize and release significant life-pattern sins. It is often easiest to identify these by looking at the various stages of your life, possibly taking five to ten years at a time, and considering what struggles and mistakes you have repeatedly encountered. Ask God to bring to mind any sins you have committed so that you may confess and release them. Confession is a powerful, demanding exercise, not to be undertaken by the fainthearted. But seeing God’s mercy cover all our sin can be one of the most liberating experiences of the soul.

Taken from NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible