The Man Who Came To The Altar Too Late

Text: 1 Kings 2:28–34

The story of Joab in 1 Kings 2:28-34 is a poignant reminder of the consequences of delaying true repentance. Joab, a once powerful military leader, found himself stretched across a blood-soaked altar, seeking refuge too late. This image of Joab, stabbed while clinging to the altar, underscores the gravity of postponing sincere repentance. Joab’s desperate attempt to flee death by running to the house of God, casting himself upon the altar, and refusing to leave is a tragic illustration of a missed opportunity for true repentance. His story invites us to reflect on the nature of repentance and the urgency of turning to God before it is too late.

There Is a False Repentance

False repentance is a superficial act, driven by self-interest rather than genuine remorse. Pharaoh’s confession in Exodus 10:16, “I have sinned,” exemplifies this. Pharaoh’s words were an attempt to alleviate the plagues’ pressures rather than a heartfelt acknowledgment of wrongdoing. His repentance was insincere, aimed at getting relief rather than seeking true transformation. Similarly, Balaam’s admission in Numbers 22:34, “I have sinned,” was tainted by his desire for Balak’s gold. His eyes remained fixed on material gain, rendering his confession dishonest. His repentance was a means to an end, not a genuine turning away from sin.

Judas Iscariot’s repentance in Matthew 27:4 is another stark example. Judas cried, “I have sinned,” but his remorse was more about alleviating his guilt than seeking God’s forgiveness. His repentance led him to despair and self-destruction rather than to the grace and mercy of God. Judas’ repentance was self-centered, seeking to ease his conscience rather than reconcile with God. As theologian Charles Spurgeon noted, “Repentance of the lip is a mockery if it be not accompanied by a change of heart.” These examples remind us that true repentance must stem from a genuine recognition of our sinfulness and a sincere desire to turn back to God.

There Is a True Repentance

In contrast to false repentance, true repentance is marked by a heartfelt acknowledgment of sin and a genuine turning towards God. The publican in Luke 18:13 exemplifies this. Standing afar off, not daring to lift his eyes to heaven, he smote his breast and cried, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” His posture and words reflect a deep sense of unworthiness and a sincere plea for mercy. The publican’s repentance was not a performance but a genuine outcry from a contrite heart. His humility and honesty before God exemplify true repentance.

Zacchaeus’ story in Luke 19:6 further illustrates true repentance. When Jesus called him, Zacchaeus responded with haste and joy, and he demonstrated his repentance by making restitution. He declared, “If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8). Zacchaeus’ actions showed that his repentance was genuine; it led to tangible change in his behavior. Similarly, the prodigal son’s repentance in Luke 15:21 was characterized by his return to his father and his admission of unworthiness: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.” His repentance led to reconciliation and restoration. As commentator Matthew Henry observed, “True repentance is a turning from sin with all the heart and returning to God with all the heart.”

There Is a Repentance That Comes Too Late

The Bible also warns of a repentance that comes too late, a sobering reminder of the urgency of turning to God. In the days of Noah, the people continued their lives oblivious to the impending flood until it was too late. As Jesus recounted in Luke 17:27, “They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” Their failure to heed God’s warning resulted in their destruction, illustrating the peril of delayed repentance.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:11-12 also underscores this truth. The five foolish virgins, unprepared and without oil, were shut out from the wedding feast. When they pleaded, “Lord, Lord, open to us,” the bridegroom replied, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Their opportunity to enter was lost because they had not prepared in time. Similarly, the rich man in Luke 16:24-26, tormented in Hades, cried out for mercy too late. The great chasm fixed between him, and Lazarus symbolized the irreversible consequences of his choices. As Augustine wisely noted, “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”

The story of Joab, the examples of false repentance, and the warnings of too-late repentance all serve to underscore the urgency and sincerity required in turning to God. True repentance is not just about uttering words of confession but involves a heartfelt transformation and a genuine return to God. It requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to change. The consequences of delayed or insincere repentance are grave, as illustrated by the tragic end of Joab and the biblical warnings of missed opportunities. Let us heed these lessons and seek God earnestly and sincerely, embracing true repentance before it is too late.