This week we focus on the Lenten theme of repentance.
Words of Reflection
There are a lot of images that can be used when we talk about repentance. The most common is probably a picture of turning around—we were heading one way, but then we changed direction when we realized the path we were following was the wrong one. This is the meaning of the Greek word epistrephō, which appears in verses like Acts 11:21, “The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.” (NRSV)
An image that goes well with that is returning—we who have wandered from God hear the invitation to both turn around and come home. Perhaps the most powerful picture of this comes from the parable of the prodigal son, who “came to his senses” and returned to his father and a gracious welcome he neither expected nor deserved.
Today you’re invited to consider a new image for repentance, one that may seem a bit confusing: falling. No doubt that makes zero sense at first. Falling, after all, is the image of sin. When we sin, we stumble. We even refer to the very first sin as “the fall.” How can falling become an image for us of repentance?
In the book of 2 Samuel King David is caught in a sin that has horrific consequences for Israel. When faced with those consequences, David says to the prophet Gad, “I am in great distress; let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great…” (2 Samuel 24:14, NRSV). Scripture is full of similar language as God’s people are invited to trust in the hand of God to catch us when we stumble. When we fall into God’s loving arms, we are safe. When we fall on our face before him, we are right where we need to be.
When our sin wearies us, when our pride and poor choices bring us to the end of ourselves, falling is inevitable. The question is…into what will we fall? Will we fall into a pool of shame and self-pity, or will we embrace the invitation to repent by falling into the merciful arms of Jesus?
Beloved, let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great.
Scripture for Meditation:
The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is just in all his ways and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
—Psalm 145:13b-19 (NRSV)
Song: Lord I Need You
Lord I come I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
And without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heartLord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need YouWhere sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in meLord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need YouSo teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stayLord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
Christy Nockels | Daniel Carson | Jesse Reeves | Kristian Stanfill | Matt Maher
© 2011 sixsteps Music; Sweater Weather Music; worshiptogether.com songs; Thankyou Music; Valley Of Songs Music
Questions for Contemplation:
Can you think of a time when you found yourself falling into the arms of God? How did you experience his love and mercy in that situation? How did he show himself to be trustworthy and faithful? Spend some time in grateful prayer as you remember his lovingkindness to you.
The psalmist writes “The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” What does it mean for you to be “bowed down?” What invitation do you find in that language?
Spend some time sitting with this lyric from today’s song: “When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You.” Are you in a season right now where it is difficult to stand? Or do you perhaps know someone in a season like that right now? Spend some time in prayer for the circumstances or situations that come to your mind. Ask God to remind you and your loved ones of his strong arms that are able to catch us when we fall.