A PERSONAL REFLECTION

As I continue to be distressed about the level of political discourse in our country, these words from Proverbs 10:12-14, 18-21 (Living Bible), which I read this morning during my quiet time, really spoke to me.

Hatred stirs old quarrels, but love overlooks insults. Men with common sense are admired as counselors; those without it are beaten as servants. A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows; that only leads to sorrow & trouble . . . To hate is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool. Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible & turn off the flow! When a good man speaks, he is worth listening to, but the words of fools are a dime a dozen. A godly man gives good advice, but a rebel is destroyed by lack of common sense.

And consider these words, which are reprinted from the Grace Norfolk church bulletin on 3/21.

"Looking at a multitude of people, one might expect Jesus, the Son of Man, to be the one demanding service. That is the way that the world thinks:  those in authority are here to be served. But Jesus undercuts this whole idea with a compassionate heart for the people of this world. He came to serve by giving His life as a ransom for many on the cross so we could have eternal life."

ON YOUR KNEES

"You can see the world standing tall, but to witness the Savior, you have to get on your knees." Max Lucado, Men's Devotional Bible

THE FOCAL POINT OF SCRIPTURE

"Unlike most books, the beginning might not be the best place to start. Instead, turn to the Gospel according to John. There, read about Jesus as God in the flesh, as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, as the crucified & risen Son of God who is the love of God, & who gives life to all who believe. When you read John (or the other Gospels), you will notice that Jesus lives in this world (although centuries ago) & prays to God, just like you & me. Yet Jesus performs miracles & gives eternal life, unlike you & me. Jesus dies like you & I will. Yet He rose from the dead, unlike anyone before Him (apart from those He raised). Here, in Jesus, heaven & earth meet. In Jesus, God & humanity are reconciled & God dwells with His people. Yet this unity & this togetherness come about through a distinct & shocking event. The divine Word in the flesh dies.

"The heart of Scripture beats in the person of Jesus. His death & resurrection stand as the climax of God's activity to graciously save mankind & therefore as the focal point of Scripture itself." Dr. Kevin Armbrust, The Lutheran Witness Feb 2021

A LENTEN HYMN

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, LSB #425 Sts. 1 & 4

"When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Price of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss & pour contempt on all my pride.

"Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a tribute far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all!"