Go into Lent with humble righteousness

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent is the church season where Christians especially remember our sin and Jesus’ suffering and sacrificial death. St. John celebrates Lent with special mid-week Lenten services at 6:30 p.m. each week during this season. This year, our worship focuses on “The Prayers of Jesus” and the services are held on Feb. 20 and 27, and March 6, 13 and 20. Please join us.

The season Lent may be notable in our world for two reasons. First, many Christians have taken on the discipline of self-denial or fasting during Lent. This Lenten discipline helps us to grow in our fight against our sinful desires and passions. Every human has rebelled against our Creator and our Savior with acts of rebellion, selfishness and disobedience. We deserve God’s punishment now and eternally for our sins. But, God has worked to forgive us through his son. Jesus had to die so that our sins could be paid for. This discipline of self-denial helps Christians take our sin seriously and helps us to live for God rather than ourselves.

The other reason Lent is famous in today’s world is the event of Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, which takes place in New Orleans and other cities around the world on the day before Ash Wednesday. This event began with the following rationale: “If I am going to give something up during the season of Lent, let’s participate in one last event of self-indulgence before the self-denial begins.” You know as well as I do that Mardi Gras for many has just become an excuse for a big, wild party, even if the participants are not giving up something for Lent.

Actually, the best way to celebrate Lent is with an attitude of humble repentance. No matter how much we deny ourselves we are still sinners. We still need God’s merciful and sacrificial love in Jesus. We all desperately need a savior. Repentance trusts God’s forgiveness rather than our work and effort. Repentance trusts God’s love rather than our righteousness. Repentance admits our own failings and leads us to live in humility.

In 1 John 1:8-9, God caused John to write, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

In a world where people want to be known for their good deeds rather than their sins, repentance goes contrary to the way people think and feel. But, the truth is we have all failed God and are sinners. In a world that often encourages “in your face” trash talking and pride, repentant humility is not common. Sometimes because we struggle inwardly with repentance, outward acts and signs help our heart in its search to serve the God who loves us and saved us.

So, consider what might help you in your bringing repentance to your heart. Perhaps the imposition of ashes in the Ash Wednesday service will help your humble repentance. Perhaps the disciplines of self-denial and worship will help your heart. Or, best yet, maybe knowing the love of God that he forgives our sins will change our heart so we live for him.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. Contact him at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

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