The first Sunday in Lent begins with tension.
The tension between the saving and destructive powers of water fills today’s lectionary readings. The waters of the flood overwhelmed the world in the days of Noah, yet God delivered Noah and his family from death.
The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus only after his baptism by John, yet the Spirit immediately drives Jesus into the desert—a place defined by its lack of water. Through water and the word, in baptism our old, sinful self is put to death, and we are reborn as children of God. But the current that flows through these paradoxes is this: in death and life, in flood and drought, God remains faithful. As the psalmist reminds us, God’s mercy and steadfast love “are from everlasting.”
Sunday’s Worship Music
The theme of the Holy Spirit’s quenching nature continues through music as we will hear “Let the River Flow” as the Worship Song at New Day Praise Service. With the lyrics, “Let the river flow, Holy Spirit come, Move in power
Let the river flow” we look to God’s life-giving presence in the midst of dry, wilderness moments.
The Traditional worship services feature the Hymn of the Day “Thy Holy Wings.” Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness incites us to seek out God as our true “strength and portion, [our] rock and hiding place.” We implore Jesus to allow us to rest securely in his care in this hymn to him. Where does God’s place of refuge show up in your life?
Preaching Theme
Wandering In Your Wilderness
For Your Home Devotion
Have you ever felt lost in the “wilderness?”
- What was the situation?
- How did you get through it?
- Where was God in the midst of it?
The season of Lent is a time for reflection and engaging in faith practices that open us up to God’s presence in our lives.
- Some of these practices include: prayer, service and charity, study, and fasting.
- What is one practice that you can try this season of Lent? (How do you hope it will draw you into deeper relationship with God?)
