“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near!” John the Baptizer preached a message of repentance in preparation for the coming of Jesus. He called the rich and poor alike, the powerful as well as the lowly, to turn from their sins and put their trust in the LORD. Repentance is not complicated. It means simply to “turn”. Turn away from a life of selfishness and sin, and turn toward Jesus as the only One who can deliver us from sin. But simple should not be confused with easy. Repentance is not easy. Standing in its way are the powerful forces of self-righteousness and self-service that don’t like to be challenged. Like John’s audience, we must ask ourselves, “What shall we do?” Then let the Holy Spirit and the Word guide us to the answer. Come, Lord Jesus!