In this episode:
I love Lent.
That may sound strange, but there’s never a time in the year where I feel more connected with Jesus and His life.
I think it’s because during these 40 days we really reflect on who Jesus is – as man and God.
It’s a great idea to read the New Testament a little bit every day. To hear the many stories about how He heals and anticipates the needs of others.
And how He gives in abundance – more than anyone can even imagine.
What’s Really Important
And to listen to what Jesus says is important in life – nothing like getting it straight from the source – God
And, of course, it isn’t fame or fortune or any of the other things we prioritize in our life as important.
No – Jesus tells us that all that is needed –
To love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That simple and yet, sometimes that difficult.
And then we walk the path of the cross with Him.
And we find what I think is the most important part of His life.
Daily Suffering
He suffered.
While I can gain confidence in a God who loves me as I read of the abundant miracles that Jesus performs – even miracles that might appear to be unimportant like making sure a wedding couple is spared the humiliation of running out of wine –
More than seeing how Jesus heals and responds to those in need, His suffering speaks to me.
He did not have to suffer – He was God.
Yet God loved us so much so as to show us he knows our sufferings because He too lived them.
He know what it’s like to be humiliated, betrayed, persecuted, misunderstood, rejected by those closest to Him, and experienced all the emotions that we sometimes feel – anxiety, pain, sadness and
that moment when he exclaims, “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?”
Have you ever felt forsaken?
Know that God is with you.
He Knows Your Sufferings
He has felt your sufferings before you have.
And yet, the sufferings are not the end of His story and they aren’t the end of our story unless we choose to close the book there.
His sufferings ended in the Easter joy and the salvation of us all.
And while it’s hard to understand or believe during the time of suffering, our sufferings can also be turned into joy – or at least into a deeper love for those for whom we suffer.
Take this time of Lent to reflect on the life and love and sufferings of Jesus. Embrace Him. Bring Him into your heart.
Fall into the loving arms of Jesus and find comfort, compassion, and sacrificial love beyond all measure. And find strength.
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