Each year, as we approach the 40-day season of Lent, I am reminded of the way the church talks about this season - unlike any other. As the weeks of the Easter season go by, you will see that we are in the "Second Sunday OF Easter," for instance. But not Lent. For this season, we are "IN" it, but never "OF" it.
It reminds me of the way our Lord speaks of sin, and the world in which we live, of the arguments that divide us, or the temptations that pull away our focus on God. These are all things that we go through, that we are apart of - but we are to strive to never have them define who we are, never are they to claim our lives in any foundational way - never are we to become a part OF them in any significant way.
The season of Lent is a powerful journey, if you are willing to open your heart wide enough to allow the truth of God to enter. But be careful! It is not a truth that seeks to comfort, or confirm where you are, or validate your opinion of yourself. It is not a truth that seeks to accomplish your will, but rather to bend and break you toward the will of God. It is a truth that you need to crawl toward, instead of walking proudly upright. It is a truth that comforts you when afflicted - but won't hesitate to afflict you when you get too comfortable.
It is a journey that leads us to the cross - and so to suffering, and betrayal, and the burden of bearing the cross that is laid upon our shoulders too. But ultimately, it is a journey that leads us to the only source of life, and hope, and forgiveness and love - as our lives are not defined by the things we bear, but rather by the One who bears them with us. May we always discover new life, as we become OF Christ.
Christ's Peace,
Pastor Rick
Thanks Rick for more insightful stuff. The reference to being in the world and not of the world is clear; so apart from "SIN" and how we normally define it, how specifically are we called to "not be of" the world?
ReplyDelete