Lent is a season where we acknowledge our need, plain and simple. Confronted with the reality of our mortality and the truth of our sin, Lent strips away the false securities upon which we lean and forces us to admit that they aren’t enough. Nothing this world offers is enough to address the depth of our brokenness. Every step towards Jerusalem is a reality check about our need for something beyond ourselves.
It is very humbling to journey to the cross, but that’s a good thing. It’s good because it provides us an opportunity to identify with the One who first made that journey for us. The entire story of Jesus on earth is one of humility, of laying down his life, and our Lenten journey invites us to embrace that very same posture. Paul reminds us of this invitation in Philippians, where he tells us to emulate Christ:
“Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”—Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)
During Lent we, too, seek to “make ourselves nothing.” We take up our own cross and seek to be “obedient to death,” in this case death to ourselves. As we journey over these 40 days we’re invited to embrace brutal honesty about our sin and our need for Jesus. But remember—this is not about rehashing our failures and drowning in shame. It’s about rehearsing the faithfulness of God and dwelling in His provision and mercy. God does not call us to the cross to punish us. He calls us to come and be made whole. To be humble before God is a worshipful act rooted in gratitude and wonder at how the One who made us has now redeemed us.
All I can say is I need You
All I can do
Is fall down on my knees
All I can offer is praise upon praise
For the grace upon grace
I've received
Read the rest of the lyrics here.
Questions for Reflection
1) What does it mean for you to embrace humility during this Lenten season? As you seek to do so, how might you allow God’s mercy and truth sit at the center of that journey?
2) The lyrics of today’s song encourage us to “offer praise upon praise for the grace upon grace” we’ve received. Spend some time remembering specific ways God has shown you “grace upon grace,” and let those remembrances stir your heart to praise.
3) Read and reflect on these verses. Let them lead you into prayerful worship and gratitude:
“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
—Psalm 25:8-9 (NIV)