By Bob Yoder, campus pastor
Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 (NRSV)
WELCOME:
Welcome to Goshen College’s online devotionals for the 2016 Lent season! Our theme this year, taken from Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada worship resources found in Leader magazine, is “Living Ink.” Every Monday an author will introduce the sub-theme, and on the following weekdays authors will reflect on a specific Scripture passage. The theme for this week, Lent 1, is “Letting Go of the Pen.”
DEVOTIONAL:
Psalm 91:9-10 states, “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.” Really? Has no evil EVER happened to every God-fearing person who has uttered those words of trust? I can think of plenty times in my life when I called out similar words and not received a response. And, as I read today’s news headlines I see much “evil” happening to people, and not because they are not crying out to God. These scriptural promises combined with life’s realities are a paradox to me.
Lent is an interesting season. It’s that time when I am to empty myself and acknowledge my humanity while knowing that in the near future I will celebrate the triumphant resurrection. Again, paradoxical feelings rise up. Can I truly embrace this season of darkness and contemplation knowing that a celebration is right around the corner? Can I embrace the promises of the Psalmist knowing that evil will continue to live on, even when I celebrate Easter?
This year’s theme, “Living Ink,” and Scripture passages tell the story of an Author calling us to co-authorship. The Author invites us into the grand narrative of God’s reign on earth. This narrative is full of ups and downs, struggles and joys in the pages and chapters of our stories, but we know that Christ journeys with us and invites us to give up our pens, relinquish full control, and acknowledge God’s co-authorship. Even during those paradoxical moments of the grand story, of which I have not read the final chapter.
The Story, and this season of Lent, really does not end with Easter Sunday. The Easter chapter breathes new life into the grand narrative, particularly in unexpected twists and turns and paradoxes. But in those moments we are invited to hear God’s “Fear not!” and find our places in this grand narrative as individuals and as communities.
Prayer: God of the pen and paradox, guide my hand… in my times of struggle, joy, pain, and hope… as you breathe your life into me. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 (NRSV)
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
9Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,
10no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
11For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
12On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
13You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.
15When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.
16With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.