-The First Sunday in Lent: Called to Renounce
The first Sunday in Lent, we are called to renounce the works of Satan. In Matthew 4:1-11 we find the story of Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan after fasting forty days and forty nights. On every temptation from Satan, Jesus had a response which renounced Satan and his works. We are called to follow the same example that Jesus left behind concerning the temptations to glorify ourselves rather than bring glory and honor to God.
-The Second Sunday in Lent: Called to Be Born Again
The second Sunday in Lent, we are called to be born again. John 3:1-17 tells us the story of how Nicodemus comes to Jesus with questions concerning the miracles that Jesus had done. Jesus replies, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Jesus goes on to tell him that no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. Nicodemus could not come to the understanding that Jesus was talking about a new beginning for all that will believe and accept who HE is! John Wesley called it, “new birth” and many Christians call it “being born again.”
-The Third Sunday in Lent: Called to Drink and Share Living Water
The third Sunday in Lent, we are called to drink of the living water that Christ offers and to share our experience with a lost world. In John 4:5-52, a Samaritan woman is met by Jesus at the well. It was no coincidence that Jesus met her there. There was a void in her heart that had not been filled until Jesus met her. She had a thirst for the living water that leads to eternal life and drank from it. In other words, her soul desired something that was real and upon encountering Jesus, her life was forever changed. Not only was her life changed, she had an irresistible urge to share what had happened to her. My prayer is that we, like the Samaritan women, can have a life altering encounter with Jesus and a sincere desire to share that experience with those that are hurting and in need. Amen!
-The Fourth Sunday in Lent: Called to Be Healed of Blindness
The third Sunday in Lent, we are called to be healed of blindness. In John 9:1-41, Jesus see’s a man that had been blind since birth. The disciples asked, “Who sinned, the blind man or his parents?” Jesus replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” Acknowledging our blindness from birth allows us to experience the new life of healing and restoration that only Jesus can give. Lord, let us yield to you our blindness that you may bring our minds and hearts into a relationship with you. Amen!
-The Fifth Sunday in Lent: Called to Come Forth and Enable Others Left for Dead
In John 11:1-45, we have the story of the call of Lazarus to come forth and leave the tomb behind. Jesus calls us to do the same!
