St. Andrews Lutheran Church

Grace to you!

Welcome to Lent – a season of introspection. Typically, we have associated Lent as a somber and sacrificial season, one that often finds people ‘giving up’ something for Lent. Even as we ‘put away our Alleluias’ it is easy to see Lent as a time of sorrow over our sins.

While all this is true, this Lent I want you to rejoice! Not because of your sins and not over the thought that Jesus had to die for you, but to rejoice in all the ways that Jesus reveals Himself as “The GREAT I AM” who created and sustains the heavens and the earth every day. The Gospel of John contains all these great “I AM” statements of Jesus. Spend time reading this Gospel during Lent and notice that the heart and wonder of God is to bring us back to Himself through this “Great I Am” who is our Lord and Savior!

Do I have to give up something for Lent? That’s an interesting question. To answer, consider the purpose and the reason you desire to give something up. Do you feel that by giving up meat, or cigarettes, or soda pop that you are doing something that brings you closer to God? Are your actions showing a familiarity and connection to Jesus, who gave up His life? Are you doing something that others have done, following a long-standing tradition, and just trying to look good before other people who are sacrificing openly? What motivates us to ‘give up’ something for Lent?

When Luther was asked who is worthy to receive the Sacrament of the Altar (The Lord’s Supper) he replied: “Fasting and bodily preparation are a good external discipline, but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these words: “for you” and “for the forgiveness of sins.” On the other hand, he who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require truly believing hearts.” I believe this is a good answer to the question of ‘giving up’ something for Lent. It might be good bodily preparation and a good external discipline-but what do you believe; where do you place your hope and trust?

Believe what Jesus gave up-willing placing His life into death for the forgiveness of your sins. Trust and hope in the resurrection of Jesus from the grave as a confirmation that God the Father accepted His sacrifice on your behalf. You cannot do anything that will add to the work that Jesus Christ accomplished for the world at the cross. Therefore, don’t give up something for Lent with the hope and belief it will make you acceptable before God. If you give up something-be sure to take that time you would have spent doing whatever you give up and spend it instead with the Lord; reading His Word, praying to Him, asking for blessings and praising Christ’s work at the cross! Giving up something for Lent is only useful when that action draws you closer in faith and trust of what Jesus has already done for you!

This month, I encourage every member to attend Lenten Midweek services and to find ways to get active in the congregation. There are lots of small groups meeting and I think we could use more. There are opportunities to serve others in worship, becoming a Communion Assistant, an Usher, a Bible Study teacher or participant. The men’s group will continue to meet and look for service projects. The LWML groups are active and creating ways for members to find opportunities to grow in faith and friendship. We have Children’s Message needs, mission goals, and Lay Ministry taskforces looking at ways to expand opportunities to serve. Don’t be shy-look around and fill a need or get with others to fill a need you are experiencing! Let’s put this ‘love of God in Christ Jesus’ to work for us all, in His kingdom of grace and mercy.

In Christ’s service, Pastor Duncan