We are well into the season of Lent now and will reach the conclusion of our Lenten worship series “Rehab” this Sunday, looking at God’s promise in our lives through a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The prophet Jeremiah earlier was directed by God to tell the Israelites that because of their disobedience they would be exiled to Babylon and the Temple destroyed. The phrase “Surely the days are coming” was used as a refrain to warn the people of Israel. Yet, they did not listen and the prophecy came to pass. But God later offered hope with the same phrase “Surely the days are coming” when God’s law would be written on their hearts and relationship would be restored.
How often do we lament the past and second guess our choices? Or perhaps we wish we could go back to a simpler time when things seemed better? We should honor, remember, and respect our past because it is part of who we are and can help to inform our present and future. Still, God calls us to look forward, for “Surely the days are coming” and we are called to live faithfully, hopefully, and obediently into that future.
I believe Lent offers that opportunity. We remember and honor what Jesus did for us through his teaching, preaching, healing, as well as his suffering and death on a cross. But God does not leave us there. For Lent prepares us as well to celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord and the promise and hope of eternal life through Christ. This is good news for all people and it should bring us hope and courage to seek God’s will in the present and for the future.
I hope you prayerfully consider where God is leading you in your walk as a Christian? Is there an area of service or ministry God is calling you to participate in or perhaps lead? Is God calling or moving you to strengthen your discipleship through an area of growth such as Bible study or mission? Where the passion God has placed on your heart intersects with the needs of our community and the world, there is the opportunity to find God’s mission and plan in your life to serve, impact, and influence others in a positive way for Christ.
One way you might consider responding to God’s call in your life is to invite a friend or neighbor to church for one of our upcoming services, whether that is this Sunday, or Palm Sunday or a Holy Week service or on Easter. Whether that might be for the new 9:15am service or our traditional service at 10:30am prayerfully consider that chance to share God’s love. Or perhaps you have a friend who needs your particular care or attention. Invite them to lunch or dinner or perhaps plan an outing together.
God gives us a myriad of opportunities to respond to God’s wonderful gift of grace in our lives. I am thankful that we are in ministry and relationship together. For it is the work, privilege, and responsibility of every disciple of Jesus Christ to share God’s love and good news to a hurting world hungry for a beacon of hope and light in the midst of the challenges and struggles of life. That is the sacred opportunity God calls us to seize and live into our lives. May we do so with joy and faith!
Blessings, Pastor Ben