In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Opening

We are going to follow a man through the season of Lent. We see him here for the first time as he stands at a crossroads, holding a heavy burden on his back. The air is still, and the only sound he hears is his own breathing. Around him the landscape is barren with paths stretching in different directions out into the distance. He feels lost, unsure which way to go, and the weight he carries makes even standing difficult.

As he shifts his load he hears a voice, deep and resonating, calling, “Return to me.” It’s not a command. It’s an invitation. Something about the voice stirs his heart. It feels familiar, like he’s heard it before. The man looks around but sees no one. Hesitantly, he takes his first step forward in the direction of the voice. Though he cannot see where the road will lead, he feels there might be glimmer of hope.

Introduction

Tonight, we gather on the eve of Lent. This season is filled with repentance and reflection. Today is Shrove Tuesday. “Shrove” is a very old English word that means: absolved or forgiven. The tradition of Shrove Tuesday reminds us of our need to be “shriven” or forgiven of our sin as we prepare our hearts for the journey to the cross.

Today we enjoy sweets and jellies before we head into that season where we confront, and are confronted by, the bitterness of sin. Still, if you’ve read the book, we will end with the glorious and victorious celebration of Easter Sunday and the sweetness of God’s good grace.

Part I: Acknowledging Our Sin

Sin is not just the mistakes and missteps we make. Sin is our condition. It is who and what we are. The prophet Joel captures this truth by calling us to “rend your hearts and not your garments¹” driving home our need for very real inward repentance rather than simple outward appearance. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.²” Tomorrow we are going to introduce “Sin Cards.” We are going to use them as a visible reminder of our brokenness, and our need for God to chase us down and give us His grace and salvation. These cards represent what we cannot overcome on our own. Throughout the season of Lent we are going to nail them to that cross. Reminding us that is where Jesus took our sins.

The good news is: God does not leave us in our sin. Through repentance and absolution, we are reminded of the cleansing waters of Holy Baptism, where our sins are washed away daily. It is like taking a heavy pack from our back that has been weighing us down. This simple image helps us understand how God removes our burdens and gives freedom. When we bring our burdens to God, He lifts them off of us, and gives us new life.³ Remember the Bible always talks about Baptism as a current and always into the future event. It is never a past event, but one that works continually, every moment of every day. Each and every day we are made new. Each and every day we remind ourselves:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning.⁴

Part II: The Grace of God in Jesus Christ

The prophet Joel tells us, “Return to Him with all your heart.⁵” The Hebrew word for ‘return⁶’ there has a profound meaning of both a physical and spiritual turning back to God. It calls us to change direction, not just outwardly but from deep within, as we come back to His steadfast love and mercy. It means to change the way we think and act. Ever striving for that goal of perfection we cannot reach this side of Heaven’s gates.

Joel’s words are not a demand to clean ourselves up before we come to God. It is an invitation to receive God’s free gift of cleansing grace. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate display of God’s love for you. He took the heavy burden of our sin so we could be free.

In 1 John we heard the words ‘faithful and just.’

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.⁷

God’s forgiveness is rooted in His unchanging nature and holy righteousness, showing us the depth of His grace.

Part III: Living Out Our Baptismal Identity

As Baptized believers we are called to live lives of repentance and faith. Tomorrow we will also introduce “Prayer Cards.” These are a symbol of our dependence on God, and on each other, as members of the body of Christ, the Church. Each prayer represents a need or hope. They remind us that we do not walk this journey alone. Prayer and God’s Word give us strength as we walk the narrow road leading through the narrow gate.⁸ That is why we started those two readings plans: the Bible in a Year, and Pray the Psalms in a Year. These also strengthen us, and empower us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus.

Conclusion: From Pancakes to the Cross

The sweets today may fill our stomachs, but only Jesus can fill our souls. Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son,⁹ God welcomes us back with open arms, every time we repent. Heaven celebrates¹⁰ our return with joy and grace. In that kind of forgiveness our hearts are filled with peace as we listen to the call to a restored relationship with Him. His love is the feast that truly satisfies.¹¹

As we begin our walk into Lent and God’s Word, let’s remember our Baptism, return to the cross, and receive the grace offered at His Holy Table. This journey begins with repentance but leads to an empty tomb and the joy of Easter morning.

Remember that man standing at the crossroads: He takes his first step down the path unsure of what lies ahead. The weight on his back feels heavier with each step, but the memory of the voice calling him forward keeps him moving.

Where will this path take him? What will he find on this journey? Tonight, as we end our celebration and walk into Lent tomorrow, we will continue walk with him, all the way to Easter. The journey will be long. It will take all of Lent to complete.

My questions for you are: “Will you walk with him? Will you come each Wednesday and Sunday to see where the path will lead him and us? Will the journey be worth the effort? Are you willing to walk it to the end? I pray God grants you the will and means to do so.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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NOTES

1Joel 2:13