Scripture: Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
DEVOTIONAL: Today’s text offers us a picture of Christ’s submission to God that leads to eternal salvation for all who believe and obey. In this text, Jesus lives into God’s reality and does not give up when worldly oppression bears in from every side. Instead of giving in, Jesus prays harder.
In my Narrative Theology class the question has come up: Did Jesus come to live or to die? John Howard Yoder, a prominent Mennonite theologian, affirmed that Jesus came to live a righteous life completely in submission to God, completely in-step with God’s plan. This was Christ’s purpose: to show people how to be the flesh and blood of God in the world, through service. This radical righteous living eventually sent Jesus to the cross, because it came in stark contrast to the violence of the world.
So, what is our calling and purpose this Lenten season? To live into God’s reality of love, peace, compassion and service. To care especially for the poor, oppressed and marginalized. To live lives of submission to God — because when we submit to God, we express our true need for God — and God always hears the cry of those in need.
I want to end with a blessing I heard at church recently:
As you go, become a window to the fierce light of God’s love.
Befriend a poor man; show no deference to the wealthy.
Protect a woman without hope; doubt the intentions of the powerful.
Give your food to the pantry, your hope to the despairing, your time to The Window (a social service agency in Goshen), your love to an enemy, your blood to the Red Cross.
Wherever you may be this week, become the window to God’s love.
Scripture: Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.