Psalm73│Jeremiah 21.1–10│Hebrews 11.17–31│John 11.28–44
Psaumes 73|Jérémie 21.1-10|Hébreux 11.17-31|Jean 11.28-44
How is your faith today?
We all have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in
God. And we are blessed to be able to cherish this faith in a loving community.
It is in our congregation that we find the needed comfort like Asaph, the
psalmist, found comfort and wisdom into God’s sanctuary (Ps 73.17). Asaph was
sad. Sad to see that “wicked” people were succeeding in life. Sad that people
not faithful to God’s words and wills were enjoying a life of ease while their
riches multiply (Ps 73.12).
'Raising Lazarus' by Luca Giordano, 1634-1705, Bavarian State Painting Collections, München
But the psalmist tells us that venerating riches
and possessions put them on a slippery path and send them sliding to
destruction (Ps 73.18). Considering wealth or a better lifestyle ties us to
materiality and consumes our energy. That same energy we need to nurture our
faith. What would you choose?
“Take your choice of life or death!” says the
Lord to King Zedekiah through the lips of Jeremiah, for Zedekiah was praising
false prophets and leading his people astray (Jr 21.8). To build a lasting
friendship with God is to choose life, eternal life, an everlasting reward. And
this is a result of our faith.
The same faith that guided Moses to share the
oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of the
treasures of Egypt (He 11.25.26). Faith involves trusting in God and doing what
he wants, regardless of the circumstances or consequences. Moses didn’t let
temporary benefits of wealth, popularity, status or achievement holding him
from the long-range benefits of God’s Kingdom.
Lent, repentance is receiving the confirmation
that the promises are happening.
“Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory
if you believe?” answer Jesus to Martha before resurrecting Lazarus (Jn 11.40).
Faith is powerful.
Today’s scriptures are glorifying our faith to
Jesus Christ and to God. It also shows us that humanity is something else than
wealth, possessions, and status. Humanity is to be found in Jesus anointed for
our salvation, and through our faith placed in Him.
Vincent
Musschoot
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