A Note from Dean; Pondering Scriptures

2.22.24

 Dear Friends in Christ,

 When I first looked at the lectionary readings assigned to Lent this year, I was perplexed as to why the Old Testament readings focus on the earliest covenants made by God with God’s people. It took some pondering on my part before I realized at least one rationale for these choices.

 (Scriptures are meant to be pondered, though, aren’t they? Indeed, our initial thoughts about what is written in the Good Book might not be our best thoughts.)

 I came to see that in each covenant God reaches out to his wayward people, desiring to re-form the relationship with faithfulness. God is always faithful, but we stray toward other gods just like the ancient Israelites did – over and over again.

 Lent is the time when we grapple with our waywardness, and give thanks for God’s steadfastness even when we don’t deserve it.

 Our Presbyterian Brief Statement of Faith that we have been affirming in worship during Lent makes this point; well, briefly and forcefully:

 We rebel against God; we hide from our Creator.

Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God condemnation. Yet God acts with just and mercy to redeem creation.

In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage.

Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant.

 On Easter we will celebrate that last and ultimate covenant God has made in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Til then, during Lent, we reflect on our waywardness, asking ourselves if we are ready to recommit to Christ.

 Grace and peace,

Dean