Humans can be so arrogant at times. We think we stand on top of the mountain and own the world. We reject that fragility and take refuge in this false strength that we think we have. We think that everything stands around us. Yet if we are willing to open our eyes and conscience, we are actually very small and fragile creatures. In the blink of an eye we can make the wrong decision and ruin what we have. Sin is always shadowing our steps, ready to enter and overpower us when our stance becomes weak. Our lives are like ashes that briefly exist and then vanish. Man is overcome by mortality. In this condition, only God's love can sustain our existence. He embraces and holds us in His sincerity and great love, provided that man is fully aware of his own vulnerability to sin and error. Lent is a good time to reflect on this. It starts with Ash Wednesday which reveals who we really are before God. We are dust embraced by God's steadfast love.
The realisation of the fragile and sinful nature of the human condition has been the testimony of believers for thousands of years. As recorded in the Psalms in Psalm chapter 51, the poem reflects Nathan the prophet's rebuke to David when he committed a sin so great before God, taking Bathsheba by devising such an abominable thing. Interestingly, David did not shirk Nathan's rebuke. A king with great power chose to submit to God's rebuke. He knew that running away from Sin and God's wrath was impossible.
The penitential poem begins with an acknowledgement of being in His presence. The psalmist invites all his readers to ask for God's mercy. He begs God to forgive him. Cleanse and cleanse are expressions used by the psalmist, both of which describe a process of purification commonly expressed in Israelite rituals or worship. Human sin or guilt can only be forgiven if God wills it. The psalmist honestly admits that he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. So the one thing that the psalmist asked for was that he be cleansed completely. The hyssop used in Israel's purification rituals is revealed here. Lastly he asks God to completely transform him. Psalm 51 also reveals an important part of the process of human repentance. If we have been forgiven by God, then what will we do? Through verse 16, the psalmist provides an interesting insight. When forgiveness has been revealed then proclaim God's justice and goodness with your tongue.
Friends of the Bible, soon most denominations will observe Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. Through ashes, which is the dominant symbol of Ash Wednesday, we want to remember that we are like dust. So fragile and perishable, yet God chooses to remain faithful and love us. This fragility is also evident in how easily we fall into sin and forget His commandments. Our arrogance often presents justification and denial of the reality of our sinfulness. So may God have mercy to soften and knock on the door of our hearts. So that in full awareness we confess our sinfulness and are truly forgiven by Him.
Maybe at this point we have long turned away from God. Sin has made us ashamed and distant from Him. But remember that God never takes His eyes off our lives. Confess honestly and God will embrace us warmly. May God be with us always. The path of repentance is never easy, but in the Holy Spirit, He always sustains us. Happy Lent. Happy retracing the path of repentance.
Reflective questions: Why are we often reluctant to confess our sins and faults before God?
