Get the app2017 Belmont University Lenten Devotional GuideSample
The scripture passages today orient us toward the reality of God’s coming Kingdom. The author of Isaiah paints a picture of a world so radiant with the light of God that the sun and moon become obsolete. The psalmist reminds us that God cares deeply about the poor and oppressed, and while the blind, imprisoned, hungry and widow still exist today, one day everything will be made whole and justice will rule. The oppressors will finally reap the seeds of wickedness they have sown all their lives and all wrongs will be made right.
We see glimpses of this coming Kingdom in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the Gospel passage today, we find Jesus bringing the blind sight and liberating the possessed. If we pay attention, we too can find windows that let in the light in our own ordinary lives. Racial reconciliation, welcoming the refugee and standing in solidarity with marginalized people groups are all moments in which the Kingdom of God breaks in, even if just for a moment. However, we live in a world in which many people, religious and “non-religious” alike, scoff at the reality of God’s kingdom.
In God’s economy the “least” and the “smallest” are those who will become great. The attitude of the religious leaders accusing Jesus of using demonic power is often the attitude many of us hold today. Too often we do not want to relinquish what little power we think we have. We do not want to submit to the rule of a King who turns our notions of who is worthy and unworthy on its head.
The question we must ask ourselves today is will we live by the rule of God’s Kingdom? Will we seek racial justice in our communities? Will we welcome the stranger in a time of need? Will we give up our power and privilege so that others might experience the smallest taste of God’s coming kingdom?
My prayer is that the answer to those questions becomes yes more often than not and we place our hope in the one whose way is just and rule is righteous.
KIRSTEN RIEDEL
Residence Director, Heron Hall
Office of Residence Life
We see glimpses of this coming Kingdom in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the Gospel passage today, we find Jesus bringing the blind sight and liberating the possessed. If we pay attention, we too can find windows that let in the light in our own ordinary lives. Racial reconciliation, welcoming the refugee and standing in solidarity with marginalized people groups are all moments in which the Kingdom of God breaks in, even if just for a moment. However, we live in a world in which many people, religious and “non-religious” alike, scoff at the reality of God’s kingdom.
In God’s economy the “least” and the “smallest” are those who will become great. The attitude of the religious leaders accusing Jesus of using demonic power is often the attitude many of us hold today. Too often we do not want to relinquish what little power we think we have. We do not want to submit to the rule of a King who turns our notions of who is worthy and unworthy on its head.
The question we must ask ourselves today is will we live by the rule of God’s Kingdom? Will we seek racial justice in our communities? Will we welcome the stranger in a time of need? Will we give up our power and privilege so that others might experience the smallest taste of God’s coming kingdom?
My prayer is that the answer to those questions becomes yes more often than not and we place our hope in the one whose way is just and rule is righteous.
KIRSTEN RIEDEL
Residence Director, Heron Hall
Office of Residence Life
About this Plan
Through an intentional partnership between the Office of University Ministries and the College of Theology & Christian Ministry, this Lenten devotional guide has been created for our community. Our prayer is that the words found here will nourish and challenge you as you journey with Jesus to the cross during this Lenten season.
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We would like to thank the students and staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.BELMONT.edu
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