A Lenten Invitation: Set Free to Witness
Each year in the season of Lent, Christians are invited to a familiar rhythm: slow down, reflect, repent, and return to the Lord. For many, Lent can feel like a somber season as it is often marked by fasting, self-examination, and reflection. Lent is all these things. But I also think that Lent can also be a critical season of preparation for our mission in the world. As Christians begin their Lenten journeys around the world on Ash Wednesday, millions focus their attention on Psalm 51. Here King David pours out his heart before God in one of the most raw and honest prayers recorded in scripture. For context, David’s sin with Bathsheba had just been exposed. Confronted with his failure, he does not hide from the truth, minimize what he has done, or make excuses. David simply comes before God broken, exposed, and seeks God's mercy and grace. And he prays, “God, create a clean heart forme and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you. ”
Notice the pattern: David first begins in honest confession, then pleads for God to cleanse and restore him. But notice where he ends up: “Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you. ” The journey from repentance leads David not inward and further into himself, but outward towards others who need God’s grace and forgiveness, too. Repentance is not the destination; in it we find freedom to witness to others.
This is something we may understand but don't always do. We know and celebrate that confession and forgiveness are central to our life of faith and cherish the freedom that comes in honestly naming our sin and hearing again the promises of God’s forgiveness spoken over us. But do we take the step that David takes and commit to telling others the Good News? When we stop pretending to have it all together and honestly acknowledge our own brokenness and need for grace, we become the kind of authentic and compelling witnesses to the Gospel that the world needs. Those who need Jesus aren't looking for perfect people to show them the way. Instead, the world needs real people who have found real hope in Christ Jesus to share the Good News.
In this Lenten season, embrace the invitation to repent in the spirit of David in Psalm 51. This is not an obligation to check off, but an opportunity to experience again God's mercy. May the Holy Spirit work in you to create a clean heart and may the joy of your salvation be restored not only to you, but also through you. Like David, may the joy of the Lord’s salvation overflow out of you with a willing spirit that points others toward the God who forgives, restores, and renews. You are set free to witness.
Pastor Bryce Formwait is the Director of Mission Growth for LCMC Texas District and Program Director of Harvest Workers, an online ministry training program (learn more at www. harvestworkers, net). Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach congregations on mission. Please contact him with any questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or bryce@Jcmctexas.org. © 2024 Bryce J. Formwait, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
