Monday, February 22, 2016

Journey to Jerusalem: Repentance that leads to life

The Journey to Jerusalem, our Lenten journey, is a path of penitence -- self-examination, repentance, forgiveness, grace, and cleansing.

Luke 13:1-5
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
Lord,
too often we compare our lives to others.
When we compare our lives to those who better off,
we find ourselves jealous:
envious, coveting what they have, and who they are.
Teach us to be content,
grateful for the gifts you give to us
that too often we take for granted.


When we compare ourselves with those less fortunate,
we sometimes become proud saying,
"I'm so glad I'm not like those people."
Teach us humility
looking to supply the needs of others
instead of hoarding your blessings.

Yes, Lord, even in the church
sometimes we are jealous
of the spiritual blessings of others
blind to our own blessings,
our own spiritual gifts that YOU give.
Open our eyes to your blessings.

Then there are those times in the church
when we look at others;
we judge them to be more sinful than we are.

Then you turn to us as you did your first disciples and say:
"Do you think that they were worse offenders
 than all the others?
No, I tell you;
but unless you repent,
you will all perish just as they did.”

Lord,
on this journey to Jerusalem
teach us repentance:
the repentance that leads to life.
Every step of the way
make us mindful, repentant,
aware of our need for your grace,
our daily dependence on you alone!
"Give us this day our daily bread."
May it be so today.
Amen.

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At Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,150 miles from Elizabethtown, NC to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc.

Track your miles, share them here, and join us on the Journey to Jerusalem.

We will post those miles online and on our banners in the sanctuary and in our fellowship building.  Together we will make our journey to Jerusalem!

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