Preparing Our Hearts for Easter: Day 32

An article by Frank    No Comments

In the lead up to Easter we will be putting up a new lent devotion each week day. These devotions will also be available in the discussions section of our Facebook page and will be played on New Zealand’s Rhema.

On the night before Jesus was crucified he broke bread and drank wine with his disciples, using the bread and wine to represent the sacrifice he was to make, a sacrifice that would reconcile man to God and deal a fatal blow to evil.

To this day that meal has been repeated time and time again by Christians who recognize the significance of that sacrifice. We do so reflecting on our own heart and commitment to follow Jesus, but we also do so in community with others who have made that commitment. It is a meal we share to connect with God and to share our commitment with each other.

Today, let’s consider that tradition.

That famous meal contained the elements of earthly nourishment, what the physical body needs to be sustained, but it also contained the sacrifice needed to renew every aspect of the world – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

We seek a transformed world and if we truly wish to pursue that transformation – then what we offer must be that combined whole, just as that meal was. It is not enough to simply preach words without offering real food and sustenance where it is needed, yet it is also not enough to simply offer real food without the hope of true renewal and a changed reality. This is a renewal that comes through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, along with the promises of a future restoration. It is a renewal that comes through the defeat of evil through the suffering of Jesus.

Let’s offer the whole picture, the whole blueprint for transformation covering every aspect of life. Where there is hunger, let’s share food; where there is oppression, let’s cause freedom; where there is hopelessness, let’s demonstrate hope; where there is sickness, let’s offer healing; where there is despair, let’s spark joy; where there is conflict, let’s enact peace; where there is death, let’s bring life; where there is darkness, may we shine true light.

Pray

Jesus, just as you gave an example of offering complete renewal in every aspect of life, may we also live that example and offer it also.

Amen