“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
As we once again prepare to enter the season of Lent, I wish to focus upon our Christian calling to be disciples, evangelists, and ambassadors for the kingdom of God. It always hits me at this time of year, how a few people who claim to be Christians fail to worship in God’s house and participate in the life of Christ’s Church, especially during Lent.
Lent isn’t like Advent; there is no gradual build up to receiving gifts and singing beloved carols. In Advent, even Santa and his reindeer yield to the warm and inviting vision of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, while his joyful mother and father look on. In Lent, there are no pretty, cute and cuddly reminders in super markets and malls that alert us to the holy day that is approaching. The bunny isn’t as accommodating as Santa when it comes to making room. Yet, as much as Advent prepares us for the wonder of Christmas, Lent is to prepare us even more for the joy of Easter.
As disciples, Lent is the time when we are to look deeply into our life of faith, recognize our struggle against sin, and strive to grow stronger in our relationship with Christ our Lord. By now, you have all heard me say a hundred times, we are to worship weekly, come frequently to the Lord’s Supper, read scripture daily, pray without ceasing, give alms, live among God’s people and tell others of the goodness of God. This is the vocation of everyone who claims Jesus to be Lord and Savior of all.
Lent is also a time when, as evangelists, we are to use our gifts and talents to tell others about the goodness of God’s mercy. So many people in the community that surrounds Union Lutheran Church have not heard the gospel spoken to them on a personal level. Yes, I’m sure most have heard the name of Jesus, but how many have a relationship with him? How many unchurched people know that the God who created them wants to save them from their sin? How many others, who have lapsed in their faith, really understand that Christ desires for them to cherish the benefits of their baptism, that they may have a personal relationship with the one who freely extends his grace? As evangelists, our calling is to tell them and help them grow in faith.
Finally, Lent is a time when, as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we are to not only represent Christ in the world, but we are also to re-present Christ to the world. Our lives are visible to believers and un-believers alike. They see us as we go about our daily routine and take notice of how we extend the love of God to others. Ambassadors are held to high standards, lest they misrepresent the one who calls them. When we fail or fall short of those marks of discipleship (worship, scripture, prayer, communion, etc.) the world takes notice.
Lent is our time to get into the healthy habits of faith, not simply for our sake, but for the sake of the world around us. The best and simplest place to begin such an endeavor is to invite those church family members who have been missing out on congregational life. We all know someone who is a member of our congregation but they have not been regular in there worship attendance. As one such member is missing from the Sunday assembly, the fellowship of the whole family is lacking. How wonderful would it be if we were able to rekindle the faith of one who would be willing to re-establish the relationship of Christian love with their church family? My prayer is that, as a church family, we recognize the necessity and benefit of Lent. My prayer is for those who worship regularly is to invite others to come hear the gospel. My prayer for those who do not worship as often as they should, will hear the still small voice of God calling them into his presence. Brothers and sisters in Christ, pray with me, beginning today and always, that as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may grow in faith and love, and that our Lenten walk leads us to overflowing joy at the sight of the empty tomb of Easter.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
