1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Painting by Patrick Elwood Kaiser, Early Worship, 1990s

As scissors snip by my ears
gray hairs fall to the floor;
circling me round
like the yellowing leaves
beneath the maple,
or my tears…
Death lurks at every step
and yet I feel the tug of resurrection
as I hope for a grandson’s cure,
for our children’s futures,
and for that Spring when we all shall
sprout and rise and blossom,
into those beings the Creator intended
us to be in the first place.
The story does not end with God’s heart aching
at what has befallen his creation,
hands freshly soiled
from planting his only Seed in the dark tomb,
but with the heavy stone rolled away,
as the risen Lord emerges bringing the light
to tug us toward fullness of life.
Lent is a time to quiet ourselves
and feel that pull.

                           —Martha Kaiser

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Early in his career as a war journalist (“The Babylonians are at the outskirts of Egypt, and the Lord’s really got it in for the Egyptians”), Jeremiah assures the Israelites that, as vengeful as God is about their sins, God will restore them as a nation after seventy years.

Then, in this passage, Jeremiah flashes God’s unexpected promise to make a new covenant, not just a system of laws but also a living relationship within each of God’s people, a promise to “forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more.”

What a gift! God promises acceptance and forgiveness, no matter what: unconditional grace. God promises that even unendurable oppression and horrific violence will give way to redemption. In our time, when today’s oppressions rule and corrupt people’s lives, can we still hope that God will claim us, “from the least… to the greatest”? Can we really hope?

—Tom Arendshorst

Psalm 51:10-17

In my imperfection, I cannot but sin.

In my will, I cannot but be weak.

In my actions, I cannot but be selfish.

Is my legacy to be forgotten by my God?

Say it is not so.

Even though,

My sins cut the cord of Grace, raw.

Repeatedly, like the sting of sleet on the face.

Pray, do not allow me to walk away

From the fire within,

The warmth of Your Love,

To some snowy-frozen-scape of a Godless land,

The life-less creation of a thoughtless man.

Recall me to your Presence,

Wash me with the Holy Spirit,

Light a path that my heart may follow, and

I will look for fellow travelers

And speak of the promise of Grace found waiting…

Patient, beyond human understanding,

… to apply the balm of love to a contrite heart.

                                                                        —Bob Jerow

Romans 4:13-15

God’s promise to Abraham was not earned through Abraham’s works, nor was it given following a particular religious practice (circumcision). Today’s passage makes clear that God’s promise did not come to Abraham through adherence to the law either. In fact the law brings wrath. Abraham simply believed God (v. 3). He trusted the One who made the absurd promise that even in his old age he would father descendants more numerous than the stars. Abraham had faith in God. He believed God’s promise.

This invites us to reflect on other promises of God found in scripture as well as Jesus’ promises to his disciples. Spend some time naming and reflecting on God’s/Jesus’ promises. Do you believe these promises? Do you trust the One who makes them? Do you have faith that God will do what God has promised? What evidence in the Bible and in your life shows you God’s faithfulness to God’s promises?

—Sharon Arendshorst

Genesis 9:8-17

Rainbow over the Pyramid, Cairo, Egypt, 2008, by Haikeu Hai Thinh

It feels good to belong. We all enjoy gathering with family and friends; we can’t wait to share stories after vacations; we like others to help us celebrate our victories and support us when we grieve. To be human is to desire to be part of a group. This passage tells us that we are now part of a very special group indeed: the group with whom God is making a covenant.

God makes covenant with Noah and descendants -- ceramic, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Prior to this passage, we read about the aftermath of the flood, and Noah and his family once again stepping onto dry ground. In the reading following our passage, we have a story of Noah’s drunkenness. But between these two narrative passages about Noah and his family, time collapses and suddenly we are the story! God seems to be using this very human family to show us that no matter what our condition, God is making a promise to us. Forever. Period. And then, because maybe we still don’t believe God, there will be signs to remind us.

Lent is a good time to look for God’s signs. Things are beginning to change; it’s time to heighten our awareness….

—Kyle Vohlken