Scripture Readings:
- Hosea 5:15-6:6
- Psalm 51:1-2, 13, 17-end
- Luke 18:9-14
As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of the essence of true repentance—a heart that is genuinely broken before God and a spirit that seeks His mercy.
A Call to Return (Hosea 5:15-6:6)
The Lord declares in Hosea, “I will return again to my place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face; in their distress, they will earnestly seek me” (Hosea 5:15). This passage speaks to the discipline of God, who allows affliction to bring His people back to Him. However, in chapter 6, we see a plea to return to the Lord, recognizing that His desire is not for empty rituals but for steadfast love and knowledge of Him.
Lent is a time for deep reflection—are we merely observing the fast, or are our hearts truly turned toward God? Are we seeking Him with all sincerity, or are we just going through religious motions?
A Heart of Contrition (Psalm 51:1-2, 13, 17-end)
King David, in his moment of brokenness, cried out: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1). His cry teaches us that true repentance begins with recognizing our sin and appealing to God's mercy.
Verse 17 reminds us, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” God is not looking for outward sacrifices alone but for hearts genuinely humbled before Him. During Lent, let us ask ourselves: Are we offering God our brokenness, or are we holding onto pride?
Humility Before God (Luke 18:9-14)
Jesus, in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, shows us the posture God honors. The Pharisee stood in self-righteousness, boasting of his religious acts, while the tax collector humbly cried, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13).
Lent calls us to examine our hearts. Are we like the Pharisee, boasting in our deeds, or like the tax collector, acknowledging our need for God's mercy? Jesus declares that it was the humble man who went home justified. May we, too, humble ourselves and seek His grace.
A Renewed Commitment
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us take to heart these lessons:
- True repentance is not just about words but a heart transformation.
- God desires steadfast love, not empty sacrifices.
- Humility before God brings justification, while pride leads to downfall.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with contrite hearts, seeking Your mercy and grace. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness, renew our spirits, and help us to walk in true repentance. May this Lenten season draw us closer to You in sincerity and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
May God bless you on this 22nd day of Lent. Keep seeking Him wholeheartedly!
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