Can a leopard change its spots?

Can Ethiopians change their skin or leopards their spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13: 23 NRSV

God knew that the people of Israel would not turn back from following other gods, doing their own thing, allying themselves with foreign powers, rejecting God, and carrying out injustice throughout the land. Even with Jeremiah preaching to them, nothing that he could say would change them from  the evil course the people were traveling.

Can someone change the color of their skin?

Can an animal make their spots or marks go away?

Neither can these wicked people do good!

But you and I can change, can't we?

Can we not overcome our weaknesses and be better persons?

Isn't the definition of repentance all about turning around and heading the other way?

Surely it is not too late for us.

God, we know that Ethiopians cannot change the color of their skin nor can a leopard change its spots. But with you, Lord, we can change. Help us to turn and follow you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims