Lenten Meditations & Reflections 2007

 

Luke 4:1-13 • The Rev. Michael Johnston

The Temptation of Jesus

I have a sermon tucked away somewhere on the three temptations; but for the purposes of this short reflection, it is the middle one that intrigues me most. It is slightly more subtle than the others and more pernicious. Luke’s version runs more-or-less as follows: Then the devil led him up and showed him ... all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please.”

 Now it might seem that this temptation is simple: Jesus is offered the material things of the world, the riches of creation, and the right to exercise all power over them. But note that the implication here is not that the kingdoms are inherently corrupt, nor that power is corrupting, but that they are the devil’s to give. The real test was for Jesus to decide whether he would surrender to the assumption that the ruler of darkness has real claim on the world. To have chosen the kingdoms would have been to admit that the principalities and powers really do have the upper hand. But Jesus did not acquiesce. And neither should we, for in that direction lies despair. Rather, the world is ruled by the light of the Risen Christ.

Matthew 25:31-46 • Richmond (Ric) Jones

Looking at our world from our own narrow view of God often prevents us from seeing an opportunity to bless God through the simple gifts that have been given to us. Just because people who cross our paths are not always that image we want to be associated with does not reduce the mandate that we minister unto the very least as unto our God. Where would each of us be had it not been for that earthly hand extended to us in our own time of need? Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Isaiah 55:10-11 • Sara Copeland

There are a few spots in our yard that are bare dirt. This winter, when it has rained or the snow is melting, our dog comes back into the house with muddy paws. Wiping the mud off his paws is a chore that both of us dislike. Bear doesn’t like waiting for me to finish the job; I don’t like bending over him with a towel, trying to clean him off before he inevitably runs to the new rug in our living room. The rain and the snow may result in seeds and bread, but that doesn’t mean they are always enjoyable. The same is true of God’s word. Sometimes God’s word asks us to do things that aren’t easy or asks us to stretch beyond our comfort zone. The purpose is not to inconvenience us, but to achieve a greater goal. Our challenge is to fill God’s word with meaning, so that His words bud and flourish the way our yard will this spring.

Jonah 3:1-10 • Jeff and Holly Johnson

This passage expresses the forgiveness and love our Lord has for all His children. At times in life we forsake Him and His plan for us and we fall into sin. In times of trouble He stands before us to offer His guidance, allowing us to repent. As a child of our Lord we must take the lesson He has taught us and share the word with our neighbors.

Matthew 7:7-12 • Marian Philip

In the Jerusalem Bible, this passage is titled “Effective Prayer.” I have used this passage many times when the way ahead was not clear and I needed direction. Ask, Search (or seek), Knock … and God will respond. That’s the promise. It has always proved true, although the direction has often come in unexpected ways.

These verses also include the “Golden Rule.” The Jerusalem Bible reads, “So always treat others as you would like them to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.” You can prove this truth as you interact with others. A kind word and a smile most often bring you a smile and kind word in return.

The teachings of Jesus in the Gospels contain universal truths found in all the major religions. If they were faithfully followed by people of all beliefs, I think our world would be changed in profound ways.

Psalm 130 • Zan Crum

Troubles place a heavy burden on our hearts, and we reach out, sometimes from despair, as a result of our sins. It is good to know that we can eagerly anticipate the forgiveness of the Lord. Within our day-in day-out lives, many marks are put upon us! But we know that his steadfast love is open to the souls and hearts of those that ask for his forgiveness.

Thanks be to God.

Matthew 5:43-48 • Bob and Linda Carlson

“… But I tell: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you …”

 On October 2, 2006 Charles Roberts entered an Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, took girls as hostages and eventually killed five girls and himself.

 On the day of the murders, the grandfather of one of the slain girls said, “We must not think evil of this man.” Jack Meyer, a member of the Brethren community living near the Amish in Lancaster County explained: “I don’t think there’s anybody here that wants to do anything but forgive and not only to reach out to those who have suffered a loss in that way but to reach out to the family of the man who committed these acts.”

 Dwight Lefever, a spokesman for the Roberts family said that an Amish neighbor comforted the Roberts family after the shooting and extended forgiveness to them. An article in the National Post stated that the Amish have set up a charitable fund to help the family of the shooter.

 On October 12, 2006, the schoolhouse was demolished. The Amish plan to leave a quiet pasture where the schoolhouse once stood.

“… But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you …”