Lent 4 April 2, 2025
As fallen creatures, we have a natural tendency to minimize sin. Of course, we know when we have messed up royally. However, our common, everyday sins we come to think are not quite so bad. And perhaps even worse, there are things we do which we do not even acknowledge as sin anymore, and thus they go un-confessed. Whether it is ignorance or fear, making the good confession of our sin is a challenge.
The truth is that we sinful through and through. This is why we begin the Divine Service with acknowledgement of this: “I, a poor, miserable sinner,” “we are by nature sinful and unclean,” etc. This is not done to beat us down further than we may already be, but to prepare us for the grace that is headed our way. The forgiveness of sins in Christ sets us free from the burden and shame and guilt we would otherwise have to carry. There is a great comfort in this…a tremendous beauty. As St. Paul says, Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:25-26a)!
“For me You gave all Your love, For me You suffered pain; I find no words, nothing can Your selflessness explain (LSB 542, st. 2).” What amazing love our Savior has for us who, by our sin are deserving of nothing good. And yet, Christ gave all his love, even unto death, so that we might be saved and partake of his resurrected life. In the face of such love, there are no words that can explain it. The only words we are able to offer are our words of confession – unloading our sins on Jesus – and a hearty “Amen!” to our Lord’s response: “I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Holy Father, in Your Son You have saved us from our sins and set us free to live as Your dear children. Help us to confess our sins aright, to know Your forgiving love for us, and to rejoice in the life You give to us here and eternally; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Rev. Brian Noack
Pastor, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – Sayville
LWML Atlantic District Senior Pastoral Counselor
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