2017 Belmont University Lenten Devotional GuideSample

In life, I prefer clear-cut distinctions. I prefer breakfast and lunch, not brunch. In today’s Lenten reading in John 7:53–8:11, I find myself tempted to make similar distinctions. I want to make the story all about the Pharisees inability to have compassion or the woman’s adulterous ways. But on second glance, maybe this story is about both. Maybe this story offers us a “brunch perspective.” Maybe the woman caught in adultery and the Pharisees have both stumbled onto something that the other needs. Each character holds a piece of reality, but needs the other to offer a more complete picture. Maybe compassion, obedience and forgiveness are all part of the story, and Jesus stands in the middle and offers the change everyone needs.

This brings us to the words in Ezekiel, “I am here to give you a new heart and a new spirit.” God seems to be in the business of transformation. He takes those bits and pieces in our life that are broken and creates something beautiful. He takes our half of the story and transforms it, pushing us into a larger understanding of life and love. God often uses other characters in our own stories to provide us with other perspectives that reveal more full ways of living.

If I am honest, transformation scares me. It is awkward and makes me uncomfortable. It reminds me of my middle school days—trying to find myself in a new way of living that doesn’t yet seem natural or authentic. But transformation is essential to our story of redemption, and if I am going to fully enter this story, it might be time to befriend transformation.

So for today, as we continue in the Lenten season, let us lean into transformation. Lord, give us the courage to loosen our grip on things that are not of you and let us receive with open hands what is of you. Help us to notice the other characters in the story. Help us to learn from the other characters in the story. Renew our hearts, renew our spirits and transform us for your glory. Amen.

RYAN HOLT
Director of New Student Orientation Programs
Division of Student Affairs