Lent: Seeing What God Sees (A Journey to the Cross)

As we journey through Lent towards Good Friday, the Holy Spirit invites us to something deeper than just behavior modification. This season is a time for honest self-examination and repentance, not so we can become better "performers" for God, but so we learn to live in genuine dependence on the life Christ has already given us.

Scripture gives us powerful insights into this transformative process. By looking at 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (the anointing of David) and Ephesians 5:8-14, we can discover three crucial truths about the life God is forming in us. Here's a written recap of THIS message from Doug Ruest.

1. God Looks Beneath the Surface

The first lesson from the story of Samuel choosing David as king is simple yet profound:

God is not primarily concerned with our image; He is concerned with our heart.

When Samuel arrived at Jesse's house, he almost chose Eliab, the impressive eldest son, based solely on his appearance. Eliab looked tall, strong, and every bit a king. But God reminded Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature... For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

We see Eliab's true character revealed later when he judges David with jealousy and pride. Many of us try to live like Eliab—striving to appear strong, spiritual, or capable, while hiding our true selves. Real spiritual transformation begins when we stop pretending.

A Challenge for This Week: Every morning, ask yourself: "Lord, where am I still managing my image instead of trusting You with my heart?" Bring your answers honestly to Jesus. This confession is not for condemnation; it is the doorway to freedom.

2. God Brings Light Into Hidden Places

In the New Testament, Paul tells believers, "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8).

It’s important to note that Paul doesn't just say we were in darkness; he says we were darkness. But in Christ, our identity has changed—we are light. The Christian life is about "the exchanged life," where Christ lives His life through us.

Despite this change, we often try to hide our struggles, fears, and sins. But light is not given to expose us for shame; it is given to free us. Bringing our hidden places into the light removes the power of darkness.

A Challenge for This Week: Bring one hidden struggle into the light. This might mean confessing it honestly to God, talking to a trusted believer, or letting go of a pattern where you are seeking life apart from Him.

3. God Will Awaken What Has Been Sleeping

The phrase "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14) was written to believers who had become spiritually sleepy. This isn't usually intentional rebellion; it’s a drifting.

David was "awakened" when he was anointed with oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls us to that same awakening—an awareness that the life of Christ is available to us right now, every moment of every day.

The Christian life is learning to say: "Lord Jesus, I cannot. But You can, and You said You would." Whether it’s finding the patience to deal with a difficult situation or the ability to love a hard-to-love person, we must depend on Him.

A Challenge for This Week: Pray this simple prayer every day: "Lord Jesus, live Your life through me today." Then, live and act as if God has heard and answered that prayer.

Conclusion: Private Work for Public Reality

As we approach Good Friday, let these truths encourage us. Remember that David was anointed privately long before he ruled publicly. God often does His deepest work in the hidden places of our hearts.

We don't change our hearts so that Christ will accept us. Christ gave His life for us, that He might give His life to us, so that He could live His life through us.

Let us commit this season to looking inward prayerfully, bringing the shadows into the light, and waking up to the presence of Christ within us. The more we walk in His light, the more His life becomes visible in ours—all for our good and for His glory.