People through the ages have asked questions:
Who am I?
Who made me?
What is my purpose in the world?
What is the meaning of life?
The Bible shares the story of humanity’s quest to answer the big questions of life, including a deep hunger to connect with God. In the Old Testament we read in many passages the fear that people held about what would happen if they saw the face of God. In the Hebrew, the primary name of God “Yahweh” is spelled without vowels. It cannot be spoken aloud.
The Bible also reveals that God wants to connect deeply with us. There are many scriptures which reveals God’s heart and God’s longing for a relationship with us: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6) God’s love for the world is expressed through all of Creation. The most complete revelation of God comes through Jesus, The Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection shows us the depth and breadth of God’s love. When Jesus came among us, “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us…. and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Our Lenten series will explore the “I am” sayings of Jesus. Jesus provides images to identify himself: bread, light, good shepherd, gate of the sheep, true vine, way of life, resurrection and life. Each week one of these “portraits of Christ” will be explored, helping us draw closer to God who yearns to walk closely with each one of us.
As you begin your Lenten journey, I invite you to look up at the heavens, look down at the earth, and look over at your neighbor. Open your eyes to see God all around you. When you see a neighbor struggling, near or far, lift them in prayer. During these painful days, especially in Eastern Europe, let us remember: God holds the whole world in God’s hands.
Let us pray, without ceasing, for peace on earth. May God bless you on your Lenten journey.
Peace,
Pastor Cathy