Introduction to Week 5

So far in our Lenten wilderness journey we have explored the remarkable lives of Noah, Abraham and Sarah, and Moses, the people of Israel, and this week our guide through this chapter of Lent will be the the main character himself, Jesus of Nazareth.

As the book of Hebrews tells us, Jesus became like us in every way, he shared in our humanity, our very flesh and blood, and in doing so he represented us before God and revealed to us what it means to be human! Because of this, Jesus had his own time in the wilderness where he was confronted with all sorts of very real temptations and seductions but overcame them with the word of God and the power of the Spirit.

In rejecting the satanic offer of an easier path to victory Jesus chose to walk the way of faithfulness, which itself was the way of suffering that led him to the cross. Luke tells us that Jesus “set his face toward Jerusalem” knowing full well what awaited him there but also knowing full well what awaited him on the other side. In light of this, let us hear afresh those unbelievably privileged but harrowing words from Jesus as he says to each one of us: “Follow me.”

Daily Prayer

Take a moment before you begin this morning and just slowly and meaningfully pray this prayer.

In fervent cries and whispered groans
Hear us, Jesus
In unmet needs and lonely spaces
See us, Jesus
When overwhelmed and lost in fog
Guide us, Jesus
With feelings numb and distractions plenty,
You love us, Jesus!

Daily Scripture: Exodus 35:30-35

Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can read it here.

Lenten Reflection

God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with his Spirit and endowed them with all kinds of skills – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze. Their creative skills were employed to adorn the Temple and to speak of God’s nature and character through the rich symbolism of their work – deepening understanding and bringing glory to God’s name. This week, we want to encourage you pay attention to creative gifts, within you and in others – to notice and to engage with these to let this be a means by which God speaks to you and reveals himself.

Lenten Exercise

To respond to this, you might get into some kind of art or craft this week – committing the work of your hands to God and asking him to speak to you as you sketch, paint, cross-stitch, sculpture, or whatever. This could be an art or craft you already practice or something new. As you come to the readings and reflections provided for this week, you might like to respond creatively through your chosen means. Alternatively, you could take time to appreciate the works of others: perhaps select an album for the week or find a collection of paintings online (a virtual gallery visit) or in a book you have at home. The theme doesn’t need to be religious – though it is okay if it is. Trust and look for the inspiration of the Creator in unexpected places. You could even team up with someone else to do any of this – an expression of spiritual friendship.

Enjoy. Delight. Worship!

And may the Lord speak deeply into your life and release your creativity.

Lenten Blessing

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us
Establish Thou the work of our hands.
Establish Thou the work of our hands.

Lenten Song: Establish the Work of Our Hands

Closing Blessing

May the voice of love steady your feet as you follow Him in all His ways
May His kindness be a balm to life’s hard edges and thorns
May His great compassion and mercy fill you with wonder
And may his wisdom lead you to the secret place
May he ever restore to you the joy of your salvation
Amen.

Evening Zoom Reflection at 9pm

We will be meeting tonight on Zoom to reflect on this together. You would be most welcome to join us. We start at 9pm and finish at 9:20pm. Maybe bring a Bible and a journal if you have them.

We are usually on a few moments before for a chat. Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84743926286

We would love to make this a shared learning experience as much as possible so therefore please consider adding any thoughts, questions and insights that might arise for you in the comments section below. We would love to hear what God is up to in this time!