Lent
March 14, 2015

Scripture Reading: John 3:14-21

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

 ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. — John 3:16-17

It would seem that God is a proponent of what we call today restorative justice. Our prisons, particularly here in Oklahoma I am sorry to say, are full of God’s children who have drifted from the path of, at least, civil law. At this writing we have about 40 people serving sentences of life in prison without parole for having been convicted a third time of drug trafficking. Perhaps a compelling argument can be made that there are a few, albeit a very few people, who for the sake of society’s safety may need to be taken off the streets forever, but even then there may be things they can do while in prison to make a contribution to society. For example, some prisons have programs where inmates train service dogs for the disabled. In so doing these prisoners experience not only the unconditional love of a pet, but also the knowledge that they are helping someone they might never meet.

I think God, however, might say something like this, “Anyone created in my image has the basic substance to be made whole and has a vital part to play in the furtherance of my Kingdom here on earth.” Every missing piece of the Body of Christ diminishes its ability to be what it is called to be. Every piece that is saved, returned to wholeness, can be the link that makes the Body of Christ, functioning in our world today, greater than the sum of its parts.

As we consider our own salvation during this Lenten season and as we contemplate what it means to be condemned, let us forgo the practice of condemning others, and practice the art of restoration.

Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free*
Lord, help us to follow your lead and turn condemnation into restoration. Amen.