What if the prodigal son had stopped a mile short of home? The boy probably would have died in his hunger as one who "almost made it." If he had not come all the way back, we would not have the beautiful story of restoration Jesus told. How tragic that Israel stopped short of full restoration after their heartbreaking years in Babylonian bondage. The story of those years of struggle following their release is told in the poignant historical books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
Forming the last segment of the Historical Books, Ezra through Esther picks up the story of Israel after seventy years of slavery. Although they were aware that it was their sin that brought slavery, the people still refused to fully repent and return to God. Prodigal Israel stopped short of coming all the way back to the Father's house. Because of this failure, they would again drift into captivity and become a people without a land, wandering the face of the earth seeking shelter from murderers like Hitler and Stalin. Jewish history demonstrates graphically the heartbreak of semi-repentance.
Joel, a plain-spoken prophet of long ago, encouraged Israel to rend [their] hearts, and not [their] garments. In other words, real repentance involves not a mere admission of wrong, but a lifestyle change and course correction. Many people are sorry for the consequences of their actions, but few are sorry for their sins. Those who are merely sorry because they got caught will eventually die in despair. Those who come all the way home will find a loving Father, waiting and wanting to forgive and restore. The title, "Half-hearted Christians," is really a misnomer. We must be willing to go all the way with God.
“Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”
Joel 2:13 NLT
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