In this daily Bible reading is the account of John the Baptist beginning his ministry during the reign of Tiberius Caesar. John’s message was one of repentance. He was preparing the people for Jesus’ ministry. This preparation is still necessary today. One must repent of one’s sins before one can rightly believe in Jesus. Jesus’ shed blood will only atone for our sins if we truly have a repentant heart.
My personal experience is that true or real repentance is accompanied by tears of sorrow. I remember this experience vividly. I was watching a Billy Graham TV broadcast. At one point in his sermon, I was convicted of my sins. I dropped to my knees sobbing and begging God’s forgiveness. It was a significant emotional event. I believe it started me on a journey which I pray will lead me to Heaven.
