Lent: Thursday, February 28, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34

We see that the Lord has now brought everything to completion.  The family is back together and they will survive the famine.  The one that was once feared as dead is back alive with the family.  Forgiveness and restoration has happened, and their is peace. This is a good moment. 

We know from reading the Bible, this good moment does not last forever. The people would be in slavery.  Troubles would come. 

But, they enjoyed this moment they had. We don't know all that life has for us. We don't know what lies up the road ahead. But, by God's grace when we encounter a good moment, let's live in it.  

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 9:1-15

Paul in this passage talks about all the things that he could or has the right to do, but will not, for he does not want to be a stumbling block to the people.  His main concern is them, their well being and their faith. Everything else pales in comparison.  

We live not just for ourselves, we live for each other.  The way that I live affects all that I love.  Likewise, the way that those I love live affects me. Remember, we are all connected through the body and blood of Christ. Let us live that way.  

Gospel Lesson

Mark 6:30-46

This may have one of my favorite passages in all the Bible.  It says that Jesus looked at the people and had compassion on them. He didn't see their mistakes.  He didn't see their weakness. He didn't see all the things that we sometimes see.  He saw their need for Him. And He had compassion for them. 

Remember, that in the times of our lives when we are most in need of Him, He looks to us, and He sees us with compassion.