Lent
February 12, 2016

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:8b-13

because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ –Romans 9-13

What does it mean to be saved? We have a whole nation, world as far as that is concerned, that wants to be “saved”. What is it we want to be saved from? Certainly we want to be saved from death and destruction. All want to be saved from hunger, poverty, lack of shelter, not having their basic needs met. What may be more important is what is it we want to be saved for. All want to live at peace with one another, even enjoy each other’s company. All people want to reach their fullest potential and for their children to do the same.

We sometimes have an unrealistic desire to be saved by some magical act. Jesus did not die on a cross to save us by magic. He died on a cross to show us the better way of living, the way of peace and love, not power and violence. Peace and love gives birth to life, to resurrection. Power and violence is designed for death and destruction.

We have been called by God to partner with Christ in turning this world upside down. Nobody said it would be easy when much of the world is pulling in the opposite direction. Jesus, however, declared his yoke is easy and his burden is light, (Matthew 11:30) if we join him in his mission. The phrase “he ain’t heavy he’s my brother”* might explain that attitude best.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us from turning our backs on the greatest gift we could ever receive, your loving salvation. We do want to share your burden, continue to show us the way. Amen.

*See the Hollies Lyrics of this song at http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hollies/heaintheavyhesmybrother.html

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.