[re]imagine Lent: 3/11/2023
We encourage you to sign up for the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, a challenge with our partner Southeastern Iowa Synod to participate in Lenten practices, including these daily devotions. Just signing up counts as participation! More info here.
“Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.””
Do you remember who first told you about Jesus? Or, can you think of a recent experience where someone has told you about how the love of Jesus has transformed them? In my own experience, we don’t always have the tools we need to talk about how God, in Jesus, has impacted our lives, and we certainly live well into the Lutheran humility of just not wanting to talk about it even if we did know how.
This unnamed woman is so amazing – shunned to the point that she avoids going to the well when it will be busy, she runs to those who shunned her to tell them of the Messiah, the one who has water of life and who knows her, and everything she did.
God sees you, and knows you, too. God knows everything you’ve done and offers you living water, a wellspring of life that never fails. How do you experience this living water in your life? How does this fountain of endless love and life transform you, your own life, and the way you show up in the world? Oh that God would grant us the courage of this woman – to boldly proclaim and tell the world of this love and grace.
Prayer
Oh God, you meet me everywhere in my life. On the road, in my challenges, in my joys, and in all the places I come to worship you. Grant me the imagination to see the ways you are working in the world. Help me encounter those you place in my path, and be open to the Spirit’s leading me to share the saving love I have found in your son, Jesus Christ, who so loves the world that he gave his life to people like me, the woman at the well, and all of your beloved children. Amen.
Journal Prompt
As we reimagine worship and God’s presence in our world this week, reflect on the following:
When have you felt closest to God?
What story do you have of how God’s love or forgiveness has impacted your life? Have you ever shared that story with anyone?
For what are you thankful? In your life? In your church? What do you still hope for? How can you bring all this with you to worship?
Week Three Devotions by Rev. Erika Uthe, uthe@seiasynod.org