Yesterday we entered into a forty day journey of Lent. This journey leads us to the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the last supper, Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, and illegal trial, a wrongful verdict, humiliation and scourging, and finally to execution on the cross. As we take these steps, as we contemplate on the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, we are humbled, amazed and forced to our knees. Who are we that God would sacrifice so much on our behalf? Who are we that God would be willing to suffer so unjustly? Who are we that He would be willing to pay the wages of sin on our behalf?
Yesterday's message during our Ash Wednesday worship services included a reading from 2 Corinthians. This reading tells us what God has done for us through His sacrifice: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21). Think about that for a moment. We, you and me and all believers, have been made the righteousness of God. Wow. What a gift we have been given.
Not all people have received that gift because not all people are believers in God through His son Jesus. That's why we must let the world know that God so loved us that He sent Jesus to "make us the righteousness of God." An amazing and solemn responsibility we have been given.
Yesterday I said "I invite you to a Holy Lent." By that I mean I invite you to contemplate on the gift of salvation we have been given and don't hold on to that knowledge as if it is a secret. Share the news with friends and family. I challenge your lenten discipline to be a simple one this year. Invite a friend to come with you to church. If they don't accept the invitation, then keep inviting them, and start inviting others. After all, we want all to come to know the joy it is when we live into the truth of being the "righteousness of God."
