Addendum

Back when I was hoping to publish a "40 Under 40" devotional (40 devotions written by people under 40), I had begun the process of asking people to write a devotion. Two people - Kendra Grams and Erica Brooks wrote their devotional before I decided to do a daily blog instead. So I want to honor the work of Kendra and Erica by posting their devotionals here. I do hope you enjoy their good works:

Lenten Devotion by Kendra Grams

Please read: John 2:13-22

This story is a familiar one to many of us, but is still disconcerting in its own way.  We are so accustomed to Jesus healing and soothing that it is somewhat alarming to picture Jesus, whip in hand, driving animals out of the temple and upending tables.  I can’t help but think of it as a tantrum of sorts (after all, Jesus was human).

But why?  Jesus says, “Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!”  In other words, “Don’t make this a place of exchange (where the guiding rule is: I’ll give you this, if you give me that)!”  This whole idea of putting conditions on things or expecting something in return is contrary to God’s way of being and thus doesn’t belong in God’s house.  Jesus’ teaching and healing—and even the fact that Jesus came to live among us—are all about getting across this one message: God doesn’t set terms or expect something in return for God’s amazing gift of love.  God’s love and care are unconditional.  It’s so easy to forget God’s reality of unconditional giving, and moreover it’s hard to fully understand “unconditional” anything, in our capitalist and consumerist culture.  But Lent is the perfect time to start anew and ask for God’s help in reaching out unconditionally to others.

Great Giver, help us to be more giving.  Help us to step out of the marketplaces of life to demonstrate your love and care to others—unconditionally.  Amen.

Devotion by Erica Brooks

Read Hebrews 5:1-10

     When God came to Earth through  His son Jesus Christ, He revealed what a sinless life would look like.  Jesus set an example of love, peace, purity and faith for all of us to follow.  Jesus was fully God, but he was also fully human with free will and earthly limitations.  He did not passively follow a trail God set before him.  He was fully tested by Satan and freely chose to follow his Heavenly Father, even though he knew it would lead to ridicule, torture and death. 

     God heard Jesus’ cries in the garden at Gethsemane.  He answered Jesus’ prayers and display of submission with the greatest reward: a place at the right hand of his Father for eternity. Jesus’ suffering was necessary to make him a perfect example of reverence, obedience, and submission to God’s will.  Had God spared him, a longer life on Earth would never compare to the reward God had in mind. 

     Here is the good news!  Every challenge and every suffering we experience, either through tragedy or through sin is an opportunity to accept Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s grace.  He is eagerly waiting to reveal the plans He has for us.  “‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the chance every day to choose you. Help me to give control of my life over to you and accept the grace you freely give. Give me opportunities to show others the evidence of your love.  Amen