Romans 15:12-13 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
The news of late is filled with the tragedy in Japan following the earthquake and resultant tsunami. Millions are impacted; thousands are lost and feared to be dead. On top of the human tragedy is the unfolding accident at the Fukushima nuclear station. It is for us, as Christians, a time of prayer and supplication. There are many believers in Japan, and even more nonbelievers. Our prayers are for both to find hope, peace, comfort and safety.
Lent can be a difficult time for Lutherans. We tend to be in a constant state of contemplating our sinful lives. Some will chose to give up something. Or they may choose to fast, or spend extra time in prayer or study. And a few may chose to do all the above. Each participant knows that doing so will not earn them anything in the way of salvation. That has already been given freely. What these activities help us to do is to honor and remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But the thing we have to be watchful for is to not let despair break into our meditations. We are sinful by nature. We try, but we are unable to get past that. We can expend no end of effort and end up right back in the same place with the same conclusion. We are sinners. Okay, let’s get over it. But what can we do. We are not hopelessly lost as a castaway adrift in a raft upon some vast sea. We are tethered to Christ by our faith. We have a Savior who has given everything needed for our salvation. We have been gifted with the most marvelous gift of all. And that is what we need to focus on and remember during Lent. We must not lose sight of that in our time of self-reflection. Please, do not lose the hope we all have been blessed with so abundantly. Sure, it is time when we gather on Wednesday evenings and worship. Our messages are filled with reminders that we are not perfect and that YES, WE ARE SAVED! We contemplate Jesus suffering the humiliation of the cross just so that we poor sinners could be reconciled. It is finished. In the words of Jesus on the cross, “It is accomplished.” YES, WE HAVE HOPE! For those who have no hope, what we have is worth more than all the precious metals and gems in the whole world because it sets us apart and sets us free. No longer are we held captive by sin. No longer is there a sting in death. Jesus saved us and gave us hope. That is cause for celebration! Share the good news, invite a friend to worship with you and let them know what your hope is all about.
PRAYER: Everlasting God, You are the one constant in all of our lives. Your love can be counted on at times when darkness falls all around us. During the time of trial for those in Japan who are without hope, help us O God to reach out in love. Guide our efforts to bring hope to the hopeless. This we ask in the strong name of Jesus Christ. Amen
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