SHADOW: Lenten Devotion Day 22

Lenten Devotion Day 22

SHADOW

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, 

to guide our feet into the way of peace." 

Luke 1:78-79

As I was out on an early morning walk with my dog I found myself reflecting on the powerful words of the priest Zechariah upon the birth of his son - John the Baptist. His words have been in my heart often lately because he is proclaiming what a savior will mean for the world...and it is beautiful news.

We all need some beautiful news once in a while do we not? Zechariah provides it as he relates God's promise to bring a light into this world darkened by suffering and loss. This light is one meant especially for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. The light, he says, will guide us into the way of peace.

I wonder about that peace. As I watch people I care about struggle with heartbreak and loss I yearn for that peace for them. As I watch the news and imagine what it must be like to try to raise my child in a country where acts of terrorism are a daily reality I yearn for that peace. 

Out of the shadow of death and darkness Jesus will guide our feet into the way of peace. He will guide our feet...it occurs to me that we often sit back and wait for Jesus to make it all better. Jesus will bring it...Jesus will do it...Jesus will make it...but Zechariah said Jesus will guide us. According to the dictionary to "guide" is to "show the way by leading, directing, or advising or one who serves as a model for others, as in a course of conduct." 

Jesus came to guide us - to model for us and to show us the way - so that WE might be the ones to do and to be and to act. If we want peace it is up to us to work for it. Jesus came to show us the way and guide our feet to it...but it seems to me much of the work along the journey is our responsibility. 

Jesus showed the way out of the 

SHADOW

it is up to us to step into the light

and live

as he taught us.

LIVE: Lenten Devotion Day 11

Lenten Photo Devotion: Day 11

LIVE

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus."Teacher," 

he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 

He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" 

He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, 

and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 

And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."

Luke 10:25-28

Life is full of questions. Like the lawyer we seek answers from the learned and wise. We look for knowledge and logic and hope that someday we will learn enough to "get it." With enough book smarts and enough information we can know God and know the right way to live a life that is abundant, purposeful and lasting. Isn't this what the lawyer is after?

Jesus' reply is simple, what have you learned in all your books, with all your education?

Easy, the Lawyer thinks - I know this one! I read it in a book - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 

                                 Jesus' reply is much more complex: "do this, and you will live."

                                        We can learn much, but Jesus call us to live much.

                                            Live what the bible teaches, don't just learn it

                                                                             LIVE

                                                                         Eternally

                                                                        Just do it