Rend your hearts

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” - Joel 2v13

Ritualism and outward observances of sorrow and supposed repentance have always been a part of religious practice. When someone feels guilty or is threatened with punishment they will do almost anything to achieve penance, or at least to purge their guilty conscience.

Israel was no different – they tried everything to placate a holy God. They sat in sackcloth and ashes. They tore their clothes in sorrow and a semblance of repentance. The problem was that nothing was really taking place in their hearts.

God’s nature is clearly stated. He is gracious, merciful, and slow to anger, of great kindness, and He will relent of His judgement. People try to complicate matters, but God takes it a step deeper. If we really want to avail of His mercy, grace, kindness, and patience the rending must go deep that just tearing our clothes. God says “Rend your hearts…” Real change must take place in the heart, not on the surface. True repentance is inward, not outward.