Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
LSB #451
v. 3: Ye who think of sin but lightly
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed,
See who bears the awful load;
’Tis the Word, the Lord’s anointed,
Son of Man and Son of God.
The season of Lent is a season of repentance. A season to take a true and honest look at our lives measured against the Ten Commandments and see how far we have fallen short of what God desires. We should do that regularly, but maybe we don’t quite get around to it? The season of Lent, therefore, is needed for us to do so each year, and, as the hymnwriter puts it, view its nature rightly. We often think of sin but lightly and do not suppose the evil great. But this season of Lent says to us: Look! At the cross! Is that light? Is that not a great evil? The Son of God hanging there because of your sin? And we are brought to our knees. Yes, I am a poor miserable sinner. But Lent also says this: Look! See who bears that awful load for you! It is the Son of God in His love for you. For this He was appointed and anointed, that your sins be forgiven. Lent shows us that truth, too. This truth that makes all the difference in the world. That Jesus wanted to be stricken, smitten, and afflicted - to save you and me!
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