Here are two more devotions from Julie Bromley and Reed Brunzell, written in Lent 2016.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
The passage is telling us how the Lenten story ends. Christ has “endured the cross, disregarding its shame,” but here we get to peek ahead and see that it all turns out okay! He has “taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Whew, that’s a relief!
I am so often afraid. I’m afraid of change, of loss, of pain, of death. I’m afraid of the evil in this world, with all its pain and anger and unfairness. I’m afraid of being wrong and afraid of being rejected. I want to know how it all turns out. I want to jump ahead, past all the pain of my life and focus on the “joy that is set before (me).” But it’s Lent, and I am called to walk with Christ, who provides me with faith and endurance needed to get to the end of the journey. Christ, who endured so much so that I “may not grow weary or lose heart,” always with me. And he gives me the ultimate promise of never-ending joy.
“Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal” (“Come Ye Disconsolate,” Thomas Moore and Thomas Hastings). Bring us fearful yet trusting to the foot of your cross, dearest Christ, and thereby lead us into eternal joy. Amen.
Julie Bromley
The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12)
Jesus shows us the way to the Father…the way of peace, joy, holiness, and happiness. He showed us the way by making himself a servant for our sake. He humbled himself, even to death on a cross, that we might be raised up to the Father’s right hand in heaven.
What is true Christ-like humility? Humility is self-knowledge, regarding oneself as God sees us. The humble trust not in themselves, but rather in God and his love and saving grace. True humility is a servant-like quality which enables us to place ourselves at the service of God and others. What a gift it would be to know the joy of Christ-like humility and simplicity ion heart!
Lord, teach us the way of humility and servanthood that we may walk in love as you have loved. Fill us with the joy of servanthood that we may inspire others to walk in your way of happiness and holiness. Amen.
Reed Brunzell
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