In the season of Lent, always looking forward in hope to the Easter miracle, I wrestle with my personal journey on the road to Jerusalem. It can be isolating, confusing, and sometimes even hopeless. In today’s lessons, Jeremiah and Jesus meet misunderstanding and hostility for their faith and witness, to the extent that their lives are endangered. The psalmist also looks to God as an aid and comfort from his enemies. How can my fears and anxieties compare? How can I apply these lessons to my own missteps as both corrective and balm?
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. — Jeremiah 20:9
God is my inspiration, to speak truth and love to power, need, and injustice. God’s word should so fill my heart that I cannot contain it, even when my mind prefers to remain passive and silent.
Believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me. — John 10:38
God is my model, to show love and faith through my every action and interaction as I move through this world. I am a member of the great cloud of witnesses and am fed and led by that truth.
I love you, O LORD, my strength. — Psalm 18:1
God is my rock, in both prosperous times and times of adversity. He grounds me to be humble, generous, and grateful. When times are trying and uncertain, he provides his grace and the support of his community of faith.
Journey to Jerusalem this Lent in the knowledge that God walks with you, sometimes propelling, sometimes urging, and sometimes just holding you tightly in a loving embrace.
