During this Lenten devotional we sit with worship songs both old and new that invite us into the themes of Lent: self-examination, humility, and repentance. There are so many good hymns and songs that reflect these themes, but each year we begin our journey with songs that remind us Lent is, first and foremost, an invitation. Some may view it as an obligation. Others may dismiss it as an empty ritual. But at its heart, Lent is all about God’s invitation to us.
On Ash Wednesday we begin a journey to the cross. Not because we deserve it. Not because we’ve earned it. Simply because we’re invited. God’s astounding grace calls to us in the midst of our brokenness and says, “Come home.”
This is not a season of self-improvement or habit-crushing. It’s not a time when we try to “do better” and somehow inch a bit more towards perfection. Lent is a season of brutal honesty about the state of our souls. It’s a journey to the cross of Christ, where all pretense and posturing fail. Lent is a time when we acknowledge our deepest, most profound need: forgiveness. We are fallen, broken people who need a Saviour, and during Lent we embrace the invitation to repentance.
What a beautiful truth it is that God does not expect us to “clean up our act” before coming to him. He is already aware of what we need. He knows what burdens us, what binds us, what imprisons us. The freedom we so desperately seek is available to us if we will simply acknowledge the truths about ourselves he already knows completely. His call to us is not shame. His call is rest for the weary, hope for the fearful, and pardon for the broken.
As we begin our trek to Jerusalem, close your eyes and hear the invitation of the One who died for you: “Come home.”
Come home, come home all who are weary
Come home, come home Jesus is calling
Come home, come home all who are weary
Come home
Read the rest of the lyrics here.
Questions for Reflection
1) As Lent begins, what are ways you can mark the beginning of this journey? Is there a meaningful way you can visually or devotionally remind yourself of this daily invitation to walk with Jesus to Jerusalem and Calvary?
2) Ponder this additonal verse from today’s hymn:
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies
Mercies for you and for me?Is there anything within you that tarries and lingers instead of embracing God’s invitation to you this Lenten season? What resistance in you needs to be offered to the tender mercies of Jesus?
3) Read and reflect on this verse. Let it lead you into prayerful worship and gratitude:
“Now return to the Eternal, your True God.
You already know He is gracious and compassionate.
He does not anger easily and maintains faithful love.”—Joel 2:13 (VOICE)