Regard and Repent

“Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them, and not build them up” (Psalm 28:5).  “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you” (Habakkuk 1:5).  “Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). 

Regard now the works of the Lord;

Consider the deeds of His hands. 
How greatly our God will reward
The one who obeys His commands. 

The Lord has commanded repentance:

His Spirit reproves us within
Regarding God’s Law and its sentence
Of judgment required for sin. 

Behold now and give to God praise

Who bore all our sin on His cross,
For Christ did this work in His days
To spare us from infinite loss!

Behold Him with hands and feet scarred;

Consider His wounds for our sake,
For those who will pay no regard 
Shall surely lament their mistake!

How strangely do many despise

That One who has loved them to death,
Refusing to open their eyes
To see Him who lends them their breath! 

How can they despise His salvation?

Why would they refuse to repent
And thereby escape condemnation
Through Christ who from heaven was sent? 

How clearly the prophets have spoken

Of Christ who would die in our place!
No promise from God has been broken
Foretelling His marvelous grace!

God’s goodness is thus on display,

With evidence He has presented. 
Excuses shall soon flee away
From those who have never repented. 

O Lord, we give thanks that You came

As prophets before had declared,
To bear all our sin and our shame
That we, by Your grace, might be spared. 

Lord, help us to clearly explain

Your Gospel with riches so full,
So hearts may repent and obtain  
Salvation that rescues their soul.