“I betrothed you to one husband—to Christ… But I fear you will be led away from your pure and undivided devotion to Christ…” (2Cor.11:2-3)
Lord Jesus, my suspicions of “liturgy” and “traditional worship” began in the late 60’s, when I came to faith through the Jesus Movement. My stereotypes were ill-informed and my theological understanding was infantile. Words like Advent and Lent—even the word “theology,” were “enemies of the state” of my new heart. I knew I loved you, and I didn’t want anything to rob me of my new-found life and freedom. I still don’t.
Hallelujah, your kindness, patience, and sense of humor are limitless, Jesus. On the church calendar, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent—40 days set aside for “grace-ing” not groveling—an intentional season surveying the wonders of your cross, pondering the depth of our need, culminating in the explosive joy of Easter Sunday.
Whether we observe Lent or not—that is an awesome cycle to celebrate. It’s kind of like marriage—I may theoretically say I want to keep on dating Darlene, make our relationship a priority, fuel our intimacy and connection. But if I never plan anything—if I never set aside time, heart-energy, and physical presence…. well, theoretical intimacy is just that, theoretical. It’s just as true in our relationship—in our marriage to you, Jesus. Without intentional seasons of planned reflection and connection, we drift—you don’t drift, but we drift into coolness of heart towards you, emotional disconnect, and worse.
Jesus, you are the perfect Bridegroom who died to make us your cherished Bride. Through the Gospel, our Father has given us to you. The “dowry” is paid in full, our wedding dress is your righteousness, the wedding Day is set, and the eternal “venue” is the new heaven and new earth. Lent or no Lent, Jesus, we want to seek your face and heart afresh in the upcoming weeks. As many of us move from Winter to Spring, recapture, renew, and re-enflame our hearts.
Truly, Jesus, bring us into a season in which we lament our heart drift from you. Enable us to see and repent of how we have given our hearts to lesser loves, and a lifestyle and pace that marginalizes you. You remember the love we first had for you; help us remember. Between now and Easter Sunday (March 31), humble, gentle, and re-center us, Jesus. So Very Amen.
