These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them ... "Proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay." (Matthew 10:5a, 7-8)
What is it worth to you, the new life Jesus has given? What is the value of your faith, your forgiveness, your freedom in Christ? This is an easy question to answer for people who come to faith later in life. They remember the darkness, what it was like to live without Christ. They remember—and shudder. Ask them if they'd ever go back—and prepare to have your hair blown away from the explosive "No!" But what about you? Maybe you were born into the faith—born to Christian parents, who had you baptized as soon as possible and brought you up in the church. If you've always lived in the light, you may find it hard to value what you've always had. What have you received? Forgiveness—all your guilt taken away, removed forever. Covering for shame—you are clothed in Christ, all your nakedness hidden. Strength for today, whether it's an ordinary, humdrum day or a time of crisis. A solid foundation under your feet in times of doubt and fear. The knowledge that God's arm is there, holding you up, even in the most terrible storms. Love—a love that does not depend on your own lovability, but on the never-changing character of God Himself. This is what God has given to you. Pass it along to others! THE PRAYER: Lord, help me to see the worth of what You have given me—and to pour myself out willingly for the people around me, the people You love. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Has anyone ever given you a gift you cherish? What was it? * What kinds of things do you find easy to share? What kinds are hard? * Pray for someone you would like to share God's gifts with. Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 21-22 Mark 10:1-31
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