Sunday, April 20 Mark 5:36
Do not be afraid; only believe.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS, CHRIST IS WITH US
The spiritual journey of Lent is a time for deep reflection, somberness, repentance and a chance to refocus. From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, we experience a wide range of emotions that can lead to profound contemplation all while keeping in mind the looming presence of the cross. We walk alongside Christ for 40 days through his ministry, sacrifice and resurrection. During this time, we are reminded of our calling to recognize the duality of a divine and human Christ who leads with love and righteousness. Christ teaches us that we are not consumed by death; instead, there is earth-shaking, ground-shattering victory in God`s Kingdom. We are given a new life.
For 40 days, we walk alongside Christ and attempt to walk in his footsteps, but try as we might, we stumble because Christ served those who were outcasts and despised. He went to the poor and the forsaken, looked upon the rich and the masses, and gave everyone salvation. Christ didn`t exclude but was equitable for all. Christ looked at everyone and made no distinctions. Christ sacrificed himself for the sins of the broken world, and the gift of salvation is available to all who believe Christ opened his arms for all on the cross.
We celebrate Easter joy with the resurrection; death did not have the final say. Christ rose from the dead and with grace saved us. This is the bittersweetness of the Lenten season: Christ endured so much. It is by Christ shouldering the world we have salvation. We have goodness that is given freely and without strings. We have an unyielding love that is bestowed upon each and every one of us. This is the beauty of the Easter promise: that we have a Christ who releases the past, doesn`t hold judgment and sees a beautiful, flawed person. This invites us into a new beginning and promises forgiveness.
So do not be dismayed or afraid when you fail or falter; Christ asks us to believe. When we believe, we are not scared of what will come or show trepidation about what is occurring. We put our trust in God and see the blessings around us. We see God move and work through us. We see the goodness in the messiness of the world. We see the Easter promise of salvation poking out of the cracks of the broken world.
So do not be afraid, for God is with us.
Our ever-present God, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Pastor Ralen Robinson