Saturday, April 5, 2014
Joel 2:12-13 Now therefore, says the Lord, turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.
WITH ALL YOUR HEART
During Lent especially we see how God has turned to us with ALL His heart. He has loved us with a wholehearted love. We see that perfect love when we behold our Savior's unswerving journey to Golgotha and His soul-wrenching suffering, knowing that everything He did He did for me.
We can be sure that when we turn to Him with all our heart He will not turn us away but will receive us. He will cleanse our hearts with the blood of His Son Jesus. He will be gracious to us.
"So rend your heart, and not your garments ..." Mere outward actions will not do. Going through the motions of extra services or fasting does not bring one closer to God. God does not want lip service. He wants your whole heart.
So rend your heart. Tear it open and lay it bare before God in contrition and repentance. Rend your heart in true sorrow over sin and turn to the Lord for grace. This Lent let God's Word penetrate into your heart. Let it take root and grow.
May His love poured out for you on the cross move you to true repentance and faith, so that He may make your heart clean and holy, wholly dedicated to His will. Turn to the Lord your God "with all your heart."
"Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built!"
-- adapted from the Lutheran Spokesman
