Unfortunately, not many of us realise the stupidity of sin or recognise it for what it is-spiritual insanity. The prodigal son left his father until, one day, watching pigs fill their bellies with corn husks, he came to his senses (Luke 15:17). That is the essence of repentance-a return to reality about ourselves.

Only when we see sin in that way can we appreciate the seriousness of Israel's apostasy. Judges 10:6 records the sixth time the Israelites turn their backs on the living God to worship pagan gods. This is one of the bleakest spiritual periods in the nation's history. There is virtually no pagan god, however depraved, that they will not pursue. So once again God turns them over to foreign invaders (vv. 7-8). When Israel finally reaches its breaking point and cries out to the Lord for relief, their words sound genuine (v. 10). But the Lord is anything but impressed. He treats their cry with contempt, considering it insincere and manipulative (vv. 11-14).

There is a great difference between regret and repentance. Regret touches the emotions; repentance touches the will and involves a change of mind and intent. Judas regretted what he had done (Matthew 27:3), but that didn't drive him to the Lord, only to despair. Regret is remorse over the consequences of an act; repentance involves recognition of our wrong relationship with God and re-ordering of our lives around Him. That is why many of us have never known God at work in our lives. Until we deal radically with our sin in the presence of God and fill our minds with His truth such that we act upon it, we will not know His power.

When the Lord's refusal to respond to their superficial regret drives the Israelites to examine their hearts more deeply, the result is true repentance (Judges 10:15). This time words come with appropriate actions (v. 16). Scholars are divided over whether God's response in verse 16 meant that He was annoyed with Israel, or that He was moved by His people's suffering. The fact remains, however, that God does not give up on His sinful people, no matter how persistently they rebel against Him. He persists in His grace towards them and finally says, ″That is enough. I won't allow them to endure anymore.″

Don't believe Satan's lie that the God of the Old Testament is a stern, unforgiving God who delights in judgment. He is a God of incessant love and infinite mercy. Again and again He displays these characteristics, and that is even more true on this side of the cross. He is the God of all grace.