The first Lenten devotion I wrote that appears in the Hollywood United Methodist Church booklet:
Joel 2:13
Joel 2:13
Return to the Lord, your God, for God is gracious and
merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
The beginning of verse 13 says to “rend your heart and not
your garments.” In the time of Joel, people tore their robes as a outward sign
of remorse but that isn’t what God wanted. He wanted people to change. He
wanted people, honestly and with their whole hearts, to come to Him, to be
broken in front of Him. And I’m pretty sure that’s what He still wants from us
today.
God doesn’t care whether or not we go to church, wear a
cross around our neck, or carry our Bibles through town. He never has and yet,
so many people still to this day, believe that’s what matters most. That if you
act like you’re a Christian, you love Jesus more and in turn, He’ll love you
more.
But that’s not true. What’s true is that God’s love is
available for the taking. It’s right there, no matter what we’ve done or not
done to deserve it. “God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up
with a lot. This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel
catastrophe” (The Message).
I like the image of God taking a deep breath. He’s patient,
like our parents were when we were younger and just learning how to do things.
He’s trying to teach us how to love Him. How to accept His love. He’s reminding
us that no matter what, He’ll be there. He’ll never leave, never give up.
Lent is a season of preparing. Preparing for the death and
resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But it’s also a season of hope. A season
that ends with an amazing sacrifice and the most awesome display of love any of
us could ever hope to receive. Believe in it. Rejoice in it. Celebrate it. Live
it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to change on the inside, not just on the
outside. Help us to accept your love and then share it with others. Amen.
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