God’s Return Policy

“‘Even now’, declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning.  Rend your hearts and not your clothing.’” [Joel 2:12 -13 (NRSV)]  

Buyer’s remorse! That’s what made me go to the mall that day. The deep feelings of regret I’d been experiencing, since I bought a very pretty but pricey outfit from a boutique in the mall, had gotten the better of me! So, instead of carrying the guilt and shame of buying such an expensive garment, without trying it on at the store, and not even realizing it didn’t fit me well, until days later; I decided to make use of the boutique’s return policy and just carry the outfit back to the store. I followed their guidelines and returned the outfit with the price-tag still on it, within 30 days of purchase, and with the receipt.  All in an effort to get a refund, to remedy my buyer’s remorse, and to help me change my fiscally foolish ways! 

In Joel 2:12-13, the Prophet Joel, uses the guidelines of God’s return policy to encourage the disobedient children of Israel, to change or repent from their wayward ways. “Even now, declares the Lord” (V. 12a[VE1] ), is used to emphasize the urgency of turning away from sin and turning back to God (V.12b)!

Then, “Return to me with all your heart, and with fasting and weeping, and mourning,” is utilized to tell them, to return to God with actions and emotions that signify their complete and genuine repentance (V. 12b).  Also, “Rend your heart and not your garments,” (V. 13a), is used to tell them that when returning to God, outward displays of repentance are only meaningful when they are accompanied by a sincere change of heart.  

Like the Israelites, “all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  So, on Ash Wednesday, this very first day of the Lenten season, we, the church; the called-out body of Christ, come together to contemplate our mortality, to examine or sins, and to show our remorse for the times throughout the year that we failed not only God, but also our family, friends and fellow human beings.

During this sacred season of returning, let’s use God’s return policy to repent of our sins and to draw closer to God with fasting, praying, and sacrificial giving! God is willing and able to restore our relationship with Him if we do!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for calling us to genuine repentance, as we commence this Lenten season. Help us to understand the urgency of now in turning away from our sins and turning back to you, during this most sacred time in Christendom! In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior we pray!  Amen!