Isaiah 55:1-9; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
Introduction
"Go and make disciples of all nations..." actually means, 'Go and convert all nations.' Conversion is the mission of Christ charged to us, His children. Wayne Grudem writes, “Conversion is our willing response to the gospel call, in which we sincerely repent of sins and place our trust in Christ for salvation.” Therefore, before we can go and convert all nations, we must first be converted.
The word “conversion” refers to a “turning,” a 180-degree turn, and within the biblical context, it represents a “spiritual turning” from sin and to the Lord Jesus Christ. Two major components are discernable in every converted life. The “turning from sin” is referred to as “repentance,” and the "turning to Christ" is known as “faith in Christ.” Both perspectives co-occur without exception. A genuine conversion, therefore, cannot be one without the other. Furthermore, repentance and faith in Christ, are gifts granted to those whom God has called and chosen as the fruit of regeneration (cf. Ephesians 2:8 and 2 Timothy 2:25).
Beloved in Christ, today's reflection, "Conversion," is a divine call to turn away from sin and embrace God’s grace ie; a call to repentance and renewal in Christ Jesus. Throughout the Scriptures, God calls His people to repentance, offering renewal and restoration. Conversion is not just about an external change but an internal transformation that leads to Christ's new way of life.
Conversion in general takes on a unique significance in an individual's life. We often profess to have been converted or born again and still engage in the remnants of idolatry, lies, corruption, ungodly associations, murder, injustice, unforgiveness, and moral decay, just to mention a few. Yet, God’s call remains clear, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). May the Holy Spirit open your heart to this message for God's eternal renewal.
Conversion as a Call to Seek the Lord
The prophet Isaiah invites all who are thirsty to come to the Lord. He even quizzed, "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:2). Living an unconverted life is actually a waste of valuable resources, time, and energy. With all the promises from God, the prophet now calls on us;
"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."(Isaiah 55:6-7).
This is a call to repentance and renewal. He urges the people to forsake their wicked ways and return to God, who will abundantly pardon them of all their sins.
This passage speaks powerfully to those of us who are still struggling with spiritual dryness. Many seek prosperity, healing, and success through questionable means. However, true satisfaction comes from seeking the Lord and walking in His righteousness. Just as Isaiah tells us to seek the Lord, we must reject ungodly practices and embrace a life of holiness through Christ Jesus.
Conversion as a Warning Against Falling Away
Paul reminds the Corinthians that although the Israelites experienced God’s miracles, many perished due to their disobedience. He warns against idolatry, immorality, and even testing God. This message is relevant today as many, despite calling themselves Christians, still engage in these unholy practices.
Our context, cultural, traditional, and social beliefs sometimes conflict with the Christian faith. Some people attend church on Sundays or publicly align with a Christian denomination but still consult diviners, join secret societies, immorality, etc. Paul warns us that we must not take God’s grace for granted. We must be steadfast in faith and rely on God’s strength to overcome temptation. Just as He provided a way out for the Israelites, He provides for us today through Christ.
Apostle Paul further informs us that, our capability to overcome every temptation is built in us by the Holy Spirit, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Conversion as a Call to Bear Fruit
The first lesson from Jesus is, never see yourself as better or holier than others who face misfortune in life. He then calls on us to repent less we perish too. “...Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." (Luke 13:2-3).
Jesus uses the parable of the barren fig tree to emphasize the urgency of repentance. The tree had been given time to bear fruit, yet it remained barren. The owner wanted to cut it down, "‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’" (Luke 13:7) but the gardener interceded, asking for one more chance to nurture it, “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” (Luke 13:8-9).
This parable speaks directly to the Christian fraternity today and the world at large. Many have received the gospel but remain spiritually barren. We must ask ourselves: Are we producing the fruit of the Spirit? If not, we risk facing divine judgment. However, God, in His mercy, gives us another chance to repent and bear fruit before it is too late.
How Can We Live Out True Conversion?
1. Repent of Sin – True conversion starts with acknowledging our sins and turning away from them. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
2. Seek the Lord Daily – Develop a consistent prayer life, meditate on God’s Word, and live the Christ-kind of life. "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8).
3. Reject Syncretism – Avoid mixing Christian faith with ungodly associations, and traditional and cultural practices. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).
4. Live a Transformed Life – Let your actions reflect Christ’s love and righteousness. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2).
5. Bear Fruit in Good Works – Practically live out the Spirit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). Engage in acts of charity, honesty, and justice in your community as a Christian (James 2:14-17).
Conclusion
God is calling you and me to a true and lasting conversion. Just as Isaiah calls us to seek the Lord, Paul warns us against falling into sin, and Jesus urges us to bear fruit, we must respond to God’s call today. Let us turn away from sin, seek God’s righteousness, and bear fruit in our lives. May the Lord help us to embrace true conversion, for His glory and our salvation. Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
