Lenten Meditations & Reflections 2007

Luke 15:11-32 • The Rev. Bryan England

 I find it hard to relate to the elder son in this parable. That’s probably because I was the prodigal son in my own family. But if my elder brother ever resented my family’s rejoicing when I returned to the fold, he never let on.

 This parable is actually not about a prodigal, or a faithful, son. It’s about a loving father. A father who gives his children freedom to make their own decisions, and who accepts them back joyfully when they recognize their mistakes and want to return to his embrace. That’s a great model for a father. We all want a father like that. Oh, that’s right. We have one.

Psalm 30

We’ve gotten out of the habit of wrestling with God. Hebrew experience is rooted in Jacob’s wrangle with an angel; Job or David—each scream at God. The dividing line between rejoicing and remorse is a fine one. How I choose to react, or be honest a little later on about the original knee-jerk-when-I’m hurt, is a piece of my got-to with God. A confession: I’m good at yelling back! God wants new life. God wants joy. God gives the Resurrection. Out of Lent on to Easter—how will I accept the work of Christ?

Psalm 46 • Ruth Moss

Psalm 46 seems to be especially relevant to our world today. “God is our shelter, our strength ever ready to help in time of trouble.” We live in a troubled world today; we think about the destruction and devastation caused by nature. We tend to think —where is our strength, our help in such times of trouble?

 Even more pertinent today are the words in the last paragraph: “Come, think of God’s marvels, the astounding things he has done in the world; all over the world he puts an end to wars” So, where is God; why doesn’t He “put an end” to this war? Perhaps the most profound words in this Psalm are the very last words - “Pause a while and know that I am God.”

 We must “pause a while” and listen to that inner voice. Too many of us do not take time to listen, to hear , the voice of God over the sounds of bombs and gun fire and discordant voices. May we all pause a while and listen for that Voice

John 5:17-30

Imagine these words coming from one of your contemporaries. You respect this man and may follow his teachings of love and forgiveness. But this? These words are dangerous. Belief will have a cost that requires courage and honesty.

Christ is my contemporary. I believe in his teaching of love and forgiveness. Do I have the honesty to stop calculating the cost? Will I have the courage to turn my back to the danger and follow?

Exodus 32:7-14

Moses’ intercessory prayer:

1) • saved the Israelites from the wrath of God,

2) • allowed God to show His grace, and

3) • He withheld the threatened judgment.

There are times when God gets angry with us and would like to punish us, but his is a righteous anger and is based upon the promise of forgiveness of our sins by virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice. When we express anger, it is human anger and generally over petty things such as money, pride or emotions.

Psalm 34

When I read, “I will teach you the fear of the Lord,” I was stuck on the word fear. I related fear to being afraid. But upon a second reading, I understood that it meant respect. This psalm asks us to teach respect for the Lord. It even tells us how to model respect; by our attitude, during all of our life’s events, “exalt the Lord;” speaking ill of no one and working toward peace. As we all have been taught, “If you haven’t anything positive to say, then don’t say anything at all.” Lord, help me show my respect for you to all with whom I come in contact today. Amen.

Jeremiah 11:18-20 • Premkumar and Caroline John

Jeremiah laments in this passage of his knowledge of this enemies plans to eliminate him. He prays that God take vengeance on his enemies. There are three questions to ask ourselves as we read about this passage.

1. Do we complain when we face problems?

2. Do we seek retribution against those who have harmed us?

3. Do we realize we are God’s people and He will protect us?

 It is human to wear down as we face problems but it is faith that will help us to be strong and courageous even in adversity.