Lenten Devotion 2023

RESPOND:

1. What words or phrases do you hear singing over you?
2. What words are you invited to sing over others today?

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

SCRIPTURE:

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17

TESTIMONY: (Written by Katie Jones)

A year ago I would have honestly taken this verse as a threat to my being. It would bring an anxious pit in my stomach; it would force me to examine my life and stir up heartache because of the broken relationship I had with God. Before I had my prodigal daughter return, repentance was heavy on my mind. It haunted me. It was something I strived for, but regardless of how hard I tried to turn away from my sin, I just couldn’t. I came up short every single time. I lived in fear of “the kingdom of heaven” and especially of Christ’s return. I became very fluent in the passages of scripture that condemned me. I was under the impression that God would abandon me if I couldn’t somehow fix myself and change my sinful ways. My main motive for repentance was fear. I remember being so heartbroken over wanting to repent, but oftentimes not feeling qualified to even say the words.

Then I met Jesus.

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:15

In January 2022, I came to the end of my rope. I was exhausted from trying. I had heard testimonies of other people being delivered from sin, and I couldn’t understand how God would do it for them, yet wouldn’t do it for me. Eventually, I reached out to the church in desperation, and Jesus extended His hand to me through Heather. I began the journey of discipleship, and Jesus revealed His heart to me along the way. The most pivotal moment was realizing that there is no fear in love. I learned more of God’s unconditional love for me, and I finally realized that I am loved just as I am. God is not chasing me with punishment – He is pursuing me with love. There is no reason to fear because my debt has already been paid. I don’t have to strive to measure up or fix the mess I’ve made. The cross is for me, and it is enough for ALL my sin – past, present, and future.

Knowing and accepting God’s loving-kindness led me to true repentance. I now see this verse as an invitation rather than a threat. Jesus is inviting us into a relationship with Him as He walks alongside us as our resurrected Savior. His invitation is to freedom – a life without shame, fear, or condemnation. Repentance for me is the sound of chains breaking. I choose to accept Jesus’ invitation to repent in response to resting in the love He has for me.

RESPOND:

1. What brings you to repentance?
2. Have you fully embraced your identity as His beloved?
3. What stirs in your heart as you think of the kingdom of heaven?

PRAYER:

Jesus, I stand amazed by your unconditional love for us. The way you pursue us, time after time, shows the depth of your heart. As we turn from our sin and fix our eyes on you, help us to see your grace and forgiveness in a new light. I pray your love would penetrate our innermost being as we set aside this time to reflect on your sacrifice. May it lead us to a place of repentance in response to receiving your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

REPENT:

¹² When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. ¹³ Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— ¹⁴ to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
¹⁵ “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea,
beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
¹⁶ the people living in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:12-17

REFLECTION:

I notice Him talking with a small gathering of people. As I watch it appears He listens more than speaks. He smiles and even laughs, which surprises me, knowing His friend John has been put in prison and given a death sentence.

Everybody’s saying they’d heard a voice from heaven speak to Him when He was with John at the Jordan, but then He was gone for a while. It’s good to see Him again. Maybe He’s smiling because He hears from heaven? What must that be like?

Last night I heard Him say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” “Repentance” is a tired word around here. But there’s something different about the way He says it and what His invitation holds. Unlike some of the religious people that pass by here, he’s not judging or demanding or exacting or demeaning. His very presence – it’s the peace that emanates, it invites more than mere law-keeping or religious observance. His is an invitation to something bigger, something wonderful, something so very present, but something I’ve never heard or seen, but can only imagine.

RESPOND:

1. Where do you find yourself in the call to repentance?
2. How might you partner with Jesus in calling others to repentance?

PRAYER:

Jesus, I hear you inviting me, again. Inviting me to turn fully into your ever-present love. I want to believe and receive, again. To know this life, to know this love, to know you. Give me the strength to move past the trappings of religion and usher me, afresh and anew, into relationship with you today.

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

This devotional has been written by different voices expressing the same heart cry of transformation. The writers, artists, and musicians have put together a tapestry of invitations to draw closer to our Good Shepherd and to further reflect His glory.

Here’s some helpful context for each day of the study.

Sunday: The devotionals for Sundays were written in first person narrative. Our hope here is to be reminded of the reality of the story, both the rawness and the beauty, as people were drawn to Jesus.

Monday: Every Monday we’ll read and reflect on a Psalm allowing God’s Word to wash us anew, giving direction and strength.

Tuesday: An artistic rendering will be primary on Tuesdays. As Makoto Fujimura says, “Art is an inherently hopeful act, an act that echoes the creativity of the Creator.” Enter into this hopeful act and reflect on this expression of God’s beauty.

Wednesday: Our devotionals for Wednesdays will have both narrative, reflection, and encouragement. The movement of the Spirit is evident as we follow Jesus kneeling, blessing, seeing, knowing, and loving the lost and lonely, welcoming each one home.

Thursday: Testimonies from people in our Faith Family will be our Thursday theme. Hear how God is at work in the lives of our brothers and sisters.

Friday: Each Friday will be a devotional led through music. The lyrics to specific songs are included in Friday’s devotional, and the following URL link will pull up a Spotify playlist of all the songs specifically curated for this Lenten season. Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

Saturday: Our elders have contributed a devotional reflection for each Saturday. Here, you’ll see Jesus at work along the margins and in the midst of religious leaders. You’ll hear the invitation to come rest in Him.