[re]imagine Lent: 4/5/2023
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.
“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. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from others so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.”
Had it been up to me, Holy Week would have already ended – with Palm Sunday – the day we celebrated Jesus’ triumph over sin, death, and the devil. Jesus would have ridden in on a war horse and overthrown the empire, setting up God’s kingdom of peace and justice right then and there. No suffering, no shame, no death. And yet, here we are, edging closer and closer not to a triumphant victory over earthly powers, but to a violent execution and act so selfless and loving that not even the powers of hell could stand against it.
In the millennia since Jesus walked this earth, empires have come and gone, waging war, and leaving the shattered remains of hungry, homeless, and oppressed people in their wake. This pattern lives on, and, looking toward the cross I am reminded that empires cannot be overthrown with their own tactics of bloodshed and violence. Tyranny cannot be fought with tyranny and guns cannot be fought with guns.
The way of the cross – the way of slowly, conspiratorially, sowing seeds of love and peace – this is how God has chosen to save the world. And although it may seem like God has forgotten God's promise to save all creation, you are not alone. You are in good company. No matter how disheartened you are, no matter what terrible suffering you face, no matter the anger, frustration, or utter helplessness you feel – you are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses who also endured, trusting and leaning on the faith of Jesus Christ, who not only endured, but ultimately conquered.
This Wednesday in Holy Week I invite you to reflect on your cloud of witnesses. Who inspires you to live in love? How does Jesus’ own suffering, and his welcoming you to this cloud even now, bring you hope?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have called me to come and die, that joined to you in the waters of baptism, God might raise me to new life. Help me to believe in the power of your life-giving cross and strengthen me with hope that no matter what I face, you are with me and will bring everything to newness of life. Amen.
Week Five Devotions by Rev. Erika Uthe, uthe@seiasynod.org