Job 42:5,6 “ 5 I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I retract and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job, after an intense season of loss, sorry, pain, struggle, and sorrow writes these very powerful words. He’s inspired by what he hears, and is moved to action by what he sees.
Setting his eyes on the Lord, seeing the way the Lord moves and acts in our lives, brings Job to a place of humble repentance. He says in essence, “I’ve seen the beauty of Your character and Your works, therefore I turn and repent.”
Isaiah had a similar response when he beheld the glory of God in Isaiah 6:1-5, “1 I saw the Lord sitting on a throne high and lifted up…5 Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
When we gaze upon the beauty of the Lord we begin to see our own sin in light of his glory. The proper response to encountering and seeing our own weakness and brokenness is not shame or self-hatred – it’s humble and heart-felt repentance.
This week ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the beauty of Jesus to your spirit, and don’t be afraid if you begin to see your own sin. Bring it to the Lord’s light and be washed in the water of His word.
When you come face to face with your own sin, remember the 5-Rs:
1. Remember God’s kindness (this will help lead us into repentance)
2. Repent immediately
3. Receive God’s forgiveness
4. Renew your mind
5. Run wholeheartedly with God
Prayer: God of infinite beauty, here I am today – just as I am. I bring before You my sin, my brokenness, and my weakness. Help me. I remember Your tender mercies and turn from my wicked ways. Wash me clean as I receive Your forgiveness. Holy Spirit, help me push delete on my sin and empower me to run the race in the grace of God today. Amen.
