Fourth Sunday in Lent
Wishful Thinking
SUNDAY, March 27
Psalm 119:24-32
“Truthiness” was a word coined on The Colbert Report, a satirical news show. It refers to the quality of preferring concepts or facts that one wishes to be true, rather than concepts or facts that we know to be true. The psalmist is no stranger to the dangers of attempting to bend reality to our own ideas. Psalm 119:29 reads, “Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions” (NLT).
This self-deception works both ways. We can adopt an exaggerated opinion of our own intellect and abilities, or we can underestimate how graciously God loves and gives to us.
The author understands that although we might “lie in the dust,” “weep with sorrow,” or feel “put to shame” by people or circumstances that push us down—God’s Word encourages us, instructs us, and expands our understanding.
Loving and truthful God, remind us of your grace and mercy toward us.
Holy Spirit, gently expose the ways we lie to ourselves. Open our hearts
and minds to your truth. AMEN.
Addicted to Likes
MONDAY, March 28
Psalm 119:41-48
“I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (v. 45, NLT). Harsh critics can intimidate, even silence us. The psalmist is struggling with fear of ridicule. He is ashamed to hold his leaders accountable to God’s just and righteous laws.
These days critical voices shout at us from every direction. We can easily be held captive by what people might think or say. We become addicted to “likes.” Then we become reluctant to speak out against injustice, even with our friends or family.
The psalmist understands that meditating on and living in the light of God’s love and truth will bring freedom from fear and shame. When we allow God’s Word to shape us, we will share God’s passion for justice and compassion. Then we will be courageous and unashamed to honor the truth and speak it in love.
God of unfailing love, heal us from our addiction to likes. Spirit, give us courage to speak truth to power. Amen.
Good Influences
TUESDAY, March 29
Psalm 119:63-68
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the “influencers” in your life? In today’s passage, the poet admits he feels pulled in all directions—by both people and things. As a result, he sometimes wanders away from what is good. He realizes that a true friend is anyone who respects and obeys God’s good commandments.
It isn’t until he experiences a crisis that he begins to pay more attention to God. He acknowledges that he lacks good judgment and needs discernment from God’s Spirit. He must depend on God’s Word to guide him on the right path.
The psalmist wants to be influenced only by who and what is good. He focuses on God’s goodness—the Lord does only good things, teaches him good judgment, and is good.
Our good God, we need your wisdom. Without your Word and Spirit, we cannot discern the good from the bad and the truth from the lies that constantly seek to influence us. Thank you for continually calling us back to you when we wander. Amen.
Ordinary People on Mission
WEDNESDAY, March 30
Luke 9:1-62
What would it have been like to be one of the twelve disciples Jesus sent on mission? Did they feel joyful excitement that Jesus believed they were ready? Or perhaps they were afraid and doubted themselves, thinking, “What if we blow it…and they find out we’re totally ordinary?”
When you think about it, those guys were pretty ordinary—they had little education beyond what Jesus had taught them, and they often missed his teaching points. Furthermore, they had very little faith.
Not only were they ill-qualified for ministry, they were also ill-prepared for their travels. Jesus wanted them to need others to survive. They would naturally build relationships in each town. Ministry involved more than just teaching and healing. In short, Jesus doesn’t need superstars or lone rangers to build the kingdom of God.
Jesus, thank you that you choose ordinary flawed people like us to serve you. We need you and one another. Spirit, equip us to bring good news, healing, and love to our communities. Amen.
Poverty or Possibility
THURSDAY, March 31
Luke 9:10-17
I can identify with the disciples in this story. They’ve been wrangling a crowd of perhaps as many as 10,000 men, women, and children who have been following Jesus around. They’re exhausted and they assume the crowd is also. Jesus appears oblivious as he continues ministry late into the afternoon.
The disciples prompt him to wrap things up so the crowd can disperse for their evening meal and lodging. It never occurs to them to provide hospitality for the crowd. They are shocked when Jesus says, “You feed them.” Why is their leader handing the responsibility back to them?
The disciples have a poverty perspective. They can’t see around their lack of resources to God’s unlimited resources. Furthermore, Jesus only gave them power to heal, not to feed people. But, to their amazement, Jesus involves them in organizing a banquet of overflowing abundance!
Generous God, you provide us enough to share so all can be satisfied. Open our eyes and hearts to a possibility perspective. Amen.
Grace Isn’t Fair
FRIDAY, April 1
Luke 15:11b-32
Life seems unfair. We’ve said it. We think it. Both sons in this story want to be treated fairly. In focusing on fairness, they totally misunderstand grace.
The younger son wants what’s his now. He has a bad case of FOMO—Fear of Missing Out. There has to be more to life than working the ranch. He just wants to have fun. It’s only fair.
The older brother wants respect. He’s been a faithful son and expects his father to recognize it. He’s angry that his no-good brother gets a welcome home banquet while his hard work has never been celebrated. It’s not fair!
And their father loves both his sons in spite of themselves. He watches for his lost son’s return and joyfully runs to meet him. He runs after his resentful older son who refuses to join the party. The father isn’t concerned with fairness. Like our God, he only desires be gracious.
O God, help us live confidently in your wide and deep grace. Amen.
Already and Not Yet
SATURDAY, April 2
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
It was a creative worship service to bring unity across generations. People met in the fellowship hall grouped around tables. Each table was provided with ingredients for a mini loaf of bread. The groups would listen to the sermon as their bread baked. Their loaves would then be used in communion.
It was a great idea—on paper. But things did not go well. Clouds of flour dust filled the hall. Children hurled bits of dough at each other that bounced off the preacher’s new suit. Nerves frazzled and adults sniped. Ovens malfunctioned and bread took forever to bake. Children whined, babies screamed, and table groups almost came to blows.
Mercifully the service ended and the preacher pronounced the traditional blessing. Exhausted and irritable, with limp, flour-caked hands held high, he said flatly, “The peace of God be with you.” A young child’s piping voice rang from the back, “It already is.”
Reconciling God, thank you that in Christ you have already reconciled us to yourself. AMEN.
