The Light Shines Through

Beloved People of God,

On Ash Wednesday we said, “Sometimes it helps to start in the middle.” Now in the blink of an eye, we find ourselves in the heart of Lent. Hours turned to days; days blurred into weeks. Where we may have started out with big plans to fast and pray, dedicating special times to step back and devote ourselves, we find time flowed through our hands like sand.

In case you feel the stress and strain of the days gone too quickly by, hear those merciful words again: Sometimes it helps to start in the middle.

Walking through these weeks, we’ve immersed ourselves in the songs of the Lord’s Servant found in Isaiah. We’ve rejoiced at His promised arrival. We’ve given thanks that He is the anointed One, beloved of God our Father who comes to restore us and redeem the nations. We’ve sought to draw near to Him amid His suffering, for we know He suffers for our sake. He has met us in the middle.

In the center of our Lenten season, how would God our Father direct our response to Jesus as we read the words of Isaiah 61.1-3? Beloved, be rooted in Jesus’ sermon on the Mount, hearing His invitation to once again ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7.7).

Friend, take a few minutes. Still your heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus and ask for His Spirit. Breathe in slowly and feel His Spirit filling you anew. Indwelled by His Spirit, seek His just presence. In our broken world there are too many injustices to address in a day. Seek His Spirit to show you the wise action He has for you today (Matthew 6.33-34). Knock, remembering that Jesus said, “I am the Door,” and believe He is leading you where He is calling you to be (John 10.9).

For His Name’s Sake,

Brett