The chorus of Chris Tomlin's song "The Wonderful Cross" has been running through my mind this morning. Especially the first 2 lines.

O the wonderful cross
O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find
That I may truly live
O the wonderful cross
O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your name

It is so counterintuative to think about dying to find life. Yet that is what Lent reminds us of. We die to ourselves so that we can be filled with the life of Jesus. The grusome cross of death becomes the way we are reconciled to God. It no longer is horrific but wonderful. It no longer is an implement of torture but of life.

This week's Prayer Guide focuses on how Jesus models moving from fear to trusting in God. It is because of the cross that we can trust God, through the Holy Spirit to lead us. Honestly facing our true selves can be fearful. We may be caught in the tension of doing that self-examination and at the same time wanting to run away. Yet, it is in the places of fear that we find God. We need to remember that we are in the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are not alone.

Downloads