CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – It is the first weekend of Lent, the 40 days when Christians prepare themselves for Christ’s sacrifice and his glorious resurrection.
We’re told that this is a time for reverence, for humbling ourselves, for awe, and for giving up our vices. And all of that is true and good.
Yet there is a Methodist hymn that suggests something else: going to the cross boldly.
The hymn goes like this:
‘And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the savior’s blood?
Amazing love, how can it be?
That thou, my God, should die for me
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown of Christ, my own.’
God’s promises are true, and can be relied on. When we repent, we’re told that the blood of Christ washes away our sins. God remembers them no more. He moves our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Lent, in addition to reverence, reminds us that we are a forgiven people. Knowing that the pages of sin in our lives are bleached clean, indeed transforms us.
When my time on this earth is over, I’m sure I will be in reverent awe of what awaits in heaven. I will see things of splendor that I cannot even imagine in this earthly life. But I hope shortly thereafter, I approach the throne boldly. “Lord, I have repented of all my earthly sins. I come to claim my final victory, as you have promised.”
In this season of lent, of course, be humble and reverent and in awe of what Jesus has done for you. But also claim your faith boldly, as someone who is forgiven… because you are.
Chris Conley
For Lent I’m inviting you to become a monthly donor to the Gospel TLC. It’s a one-of-its-kind live-in facility for people who would otherwise be homeless are trying to leave addiction behind. If you’d like to be a monthly giver, I have a link here.
The Gospel TLC also needs: laundry detergent, bleach, dryer sheets and liquid soap refills. Those items can be dropped off at their building in Weston, near the hospital, at Cross Pointe Boulevard.
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