Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem

Take a few minutes and read Luke 13:31-35. Jesus is lamenting over Jerusalem and the people who did not choose to follow Christ. In this text, we hear Jesus affirming His commitment to the people that He would return. In this Lenten season, we need to be reminded that Christ is with us when we feel joy or peace, when we are comforted by a caring friend, or even times when we are surrounded by chaos. Christ never said that faith is easy. During our good times and our hard times, we need to know that God is with us. By remembering the times we feel closest to Jesus, we are strengthened because those are the times we know that God is real and is with us.

Practice the Spiritual Discipline of Promise:

Take time each day to share the moments you feel close to God. This might be done at the dinner table or in the car after school or at bedtime. Try writing in a journal, typing on a computer, drawing an image on an art pad, or writing on a slip of paper and putting it in a “God Box.”  Taking time to document that God is with us helps us remember that God truly is with us, even when we cannot see, hear or feel His divine presence.

Some families create a family journal. Others create a wall where everyone can add “close-to-God” moments. (It’s okay to write on a wall as long as it can easily be painted over.) There are many ways to share God moments. Come up with your own and share them with your family. Ask yourself each day – “When did I feel close to God today?”

Prayer – Lord, during this week in our Lenten journey, help us to find ways to remember that you are with us. Help us practice remembering as we get ready for the mystery of Easter. Help us during this season to trust you, love you and share your love with others. Amen.

Luke 13:32 – “Go tell that fox, ‘Look I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.’ ”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock