Wilderness at Lent

Today marks the beginning of Lent (I know, no flies on me!). For the last 3 years I have followed Lent through the Tom Wright "Lent for Everyone" series. I'm wondering if I should revisit the year C one (after all, it is 3 years since I have) or try something new.

Either way, I want to follow some sort of Lent study pattern. I have found it a useful discipline over the last 3 years and, following a sermon I heard the other day, feel Lent should be about doing something, going into the wilderness and coming out better perpared for what lies ahead.

Which does make me wonder what wilderness is in 21st century Scotland. Is it disconnecting from online media (really not an option for me, if just for studying, as all submissions are online)? Is it going off on my own for 40 days (again, might be a bit busy to do that)? Or is it taking time to listen to God's voice and spend time with him and his creation? Now, I can do that.

Written for me?

This Lent, I have been using as my daily devotional reading "Lent for everyone, Matthew, Year A" by Tom Wright. Each day has a bible reading for that day in Lent, followed by a commentary and short prayer. It's easy to read, in terms of language and explanation, so I would agree with the "For Everyone" tag.

I know there's a couple of weeks still to go. Of course, there's Holy week next week, but the book continues on beyond Easter Sunday for a week.

I am enjoying the style of the book and the discipline of having daily devotional reading for Lent. In some ways, I feel I am following those first disciples to the cross. Wondering what Jesus is going to do next and how his Messianic purpose fits into the prophesies.


Of course, unlike the first followers, I know what happens. I wonder what it really must have been like for them. Watching Jesus - the Messiah - act so un-Messiah-like (so far as some would, then, have believed). Then, once Jesus was taken by the authorities, fear for my life as they would be looking for me next, so they could truly put this seditious uprising down. No wonder they hid and denied they had even known Jesus.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. I began posting about this Lenten reading, not as a book review, but the readings/reflections from yesterday (Matthew 24:45-51) and today (Matthew 25:14-30) really resonated with me. In both both cases the master trusts his servants while away. In the first, to have things ready for his return; in the second, to invest their talents wisely.

In  the reflection of these readings, Tom Wright argues church leaders should look at them as warnings. Firstly, to actually follow Jesus' teaching and prepare for his return. Secondly, to use the skills they have been given wisely and for God's greater glory. Err, as a (God willing) future Church of Scotland minister, that means me!

Whether I like it or not, I will be a leader. Of a congregation - of a worshiping body of God's people. Through that leadership I need to do what Jesus taught his disciples and encourage the congregation to do likewise. By so doing, prepare for his return. So, not pressure at all. Nothing major...

I suppose, though, I have also been trusted with talents. Skills and gifts God has given me to do what he needs me to do. I need to invest and nurture them wisely. As I have already discovered, God has given me talents I wasn't even aware I possessed, only following by his call have I actually started to discover them. Perhaps that is where the good investment comes in? By investing my talents who knows how many more I will give back to God when he asks me to give an account of myself? I pray I am worthy of his trust.

Third Sunday in Lent

I am leading the whole service at my home churches today. I'm preaching on Isaiah 5:1-9 and Luke 13:1-9. Not exactly easy text; even my minister was impressed I hadn't decided to go with my own choice. But, with prayerful reflection it's all prepared and I'm pretty happy with it. That's not bad going, given my reaction when I first looked at the lectionary readings for this Sunday.

To be honest, I'm, more concerned by the children's address than anything else. After my last placement, I have got into a habit of making questions rhetorical as their children didn't answer - anyone. Also, in the time I've been away from my home church, more children have stated coming, so they don't know me.

I have my "dress rehearsal" at the linkage to my home church. I find things easier there. A bit like Jesus. He wasn't listened to in Nazareth, yet Capernium is just down the road.

I'm sure I'll be fine. If God it with me, who can be against me?