Some titles for this passage in Joel are, “Rend Your Heart,” “Change Your Life,” and “A Call to Repentance.” What could happen if the disobedient and rebellious Israelites were to rend their hearts, repent, or change their lives? Verse 14a states that they might receive the blessing or pity of God. That would be much preferable to the vast ferocious army that was coming to destroy them (see Joel 2:1-11).
But what is surprising is that Joel 2:11 says that God is leading this invading army. How can that be? Sometimes we focus solely on the love and mercy of God and downplay His righteousness, holiness, and purity. Our loving God is perfectly merciful and perfectly holy. And sin must be dealt with. Hebrews 10:31 tells us that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
One of my worst memories as a mother is hearing my son Josh’s blood-curdling screams when he was maybe two. He had a finger of one hand caught in the gap of a cupboard door while he was closing the door with the other hand. He didn’t realize one hand was inflicting hurt on the other. In our human frailty, we are often our own worst enemies and subject ourselves to untold grief and sorrow by our own actions—actions that hinder our relationship with God.
God is telling us to repent, to fast, and to weep—all expressions of great sorrow. He is not interested in outward expressions like the tearing of our clothes or sitting in sackcloth and ashes. What He wants is internal change—the transformation of our hearts. I Samuel 16:7 says the Lord looks at the heart not at outward appearances.
Lent is a good time to slow down and reflect. Am I more concerned about my inner spiritual life than what I wear or how others perceive me? Am I willing to investigate my heart and invite God in? Am I willing to turn away from anything that displeases Him and towards that which gives Him joy?
I hope our answer is a resounding “Yes!” because God is kind, gracious, and patient.
For reflection:
- If you need to repent of anything, ask God for His forgiveness. Romans 2:4 says, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
by Katherine Riebe
Week 1 Family Talk
“Let me hear you say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’
That will bring me joy and gladness.
Let the body you have broken be glad.
Take away all my sins.
Wipe away all the evil things I’ve done.”
(Psalm 51:8-9 NIrV)
Have you ever sat around a bonfire until all the wood is burned and the fire is out? What is left? Ashes! Gray, burnt-toast smelling ashes!
In Bible times, people spread cooled-off ashes on their skin when they were very sad. Just like ashes, sin is ugly and messy. Wearing ashes was a sign to everyone else that you were confessing your sin, praying for forgiveness, and asking God for a new start. So, hundreds of years ago, when people wanted to mark the beginning of Lent—this special season leading up to Easter—they used ashes.
Jesus died on the Cross to take on the punishment for everyone’s sins, for all time. During Lent we focus our thoughts on Jesus’ death—the high price He paid for our sins. Through the season of Lent, we confess our sin. We can also give up food or other things, so that we can give more attention to our lives with Jesus.
Let’s Talk!
What is the connection between ashes and sin? Is there anything else that reminds you of how it feels to be separated from God?
What is the good news that we remember throughout the season of Lent?
A Step Further: Interactive Prayer
Sometimes it’s hard to think of all the ways we separate ourselves from God (sin). Here is one way to help you practice a time of confession. Read each question below. If you answer “yes” to any of them, tell God that you are sorry for that sin and draw a cross on a piece of paper. Maybe you can even use some ashes or soil mixed with water? It will make your hands messy—but that’s a good reminder of sin!
Have I treated others as I would like to be treated?
Have I become angry when I don’t get my way?
Have I used my words to hurt others?
Have I disobeyed my parents, teachers, or other grown-ups who care for me?
Have I complained instead of being thankful for God’s good gifts?
When you have finished, crumple the paper and throw it out to remind yourself that when God forgives us, He removes our sin (Psalm 103:12). Pray: God, thank you for forgiving us when we confess our sin to you and for giving us a new start! Thank you that Jesus paid for my sins so I could live forever with You!
by Pastor Laure Herlinger
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