Empty repentance

Pharaoh urgently sent for Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you.

Please forgive my sin once more and make an appeal to the Lord your God, so that he will just take this death away from me.” (Exodus 10:16-17)

That seemed like pretty sincere repentance didn’t it?

And yet, ultimately, it was but empty words.

Why?

Because it didn’t accompany a heart that would humbly and gladly hear and obey God.

All Pharaoh wanted was relief from God’s judgment.

Repentance is more than just saying, “I’m sorry.”

It’s more than just saying, “Please forgive me.”

It’s a true turning of one’s heart toward God in love and obedience.

And without that turning, repentance is not truly repentance.

How about you? Do you have a true heart of repentance?