Scripture: Mark 8:31-38
Focus on the Word
The Lenten journey with Jesus takes us right through “the valley of the shadow of death and deep darkness” (Ps 23m NASB), and challenges us to face down a question: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” Jesus challenges us to reconsider what we believe to be of prime importance and to set our “mind on God’s interests.”
In the Lenten season we are invited to open our hearts to Jesus in such a way that we ask ourselves the question, “How shall I live?” Here we see God’s right-side-up kingdom. In laying aside our own agenda and taking up the agenda of the kingdom, we find ourselves. In losing we win, in denying we gain, in dying we live. Our lives are profoundly important to God and to ourselves. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to get in step with Jesus, take up our cross (issues that are important to Jesus), and follow Him.
We are a cross-centered people. We are invited to let the life of Jesus shape and mold us. In Lent we journey forward, captivated by the reality of God who “emptied Himself of all but love and bled for Adam’s helpless race” (Charles Wesley).
Today’s Prayer
O God, quicken to life every power within me, that I may lay hold on eternal things. Open my eyes that I may see; give me acute spiritual perception; enable me to taste You and know that You are good. Make heaven more real to me than any earthly thing has ever been. Amen.
(A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God)
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