Hebrews 5:7-9
I see two large parking lots crowded each Monday evening as I return home from the church. There are many people at L A Fitness and Gold’s following the weekend. Daily, as I travel back and forth on Chapel Hill road I have observed that the Monday crowd at the fitness centers is the largest of the week. Why?
My guess is because of the weekend. People are off work and off exercise. We may let go and loose discipline. For example, a Martin’s sausage biscuit and may be gravy, a visit to Taco Mac and a few wings for the game or a little treat at Starbucks may get us off course. We take a break from daily discipline.
Lent is a time to return to the Lord’s fitness center. Today’s scripture says that “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears.” His prayers came from the experiences of his life: dealing with followers who fussed about being the greatest among themselves, religious persons focusing on what they looked like on the outside rather than what was in their heart. This is fitness work.
Our inspired scripture writer tells us that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered” or we might say what he experienced. Our example is that no matter the situation Jesus’ focus was not on the “problem” but God. There was No moaning and groaning or whining or blaming for Jesus but just a prayer for guidance his heavenly Father. Scripture says “he was heard because of his reverent submission. Do you do more complaining than praying?
Lent is a special spiritual fitness time which reminds us we are human and may get off track like a trip to Martins. But, we are called to seek the one “who gives eternal salvation” being Jesus. Tom Long writes, “to be truly human is to shape our lives into an offering to God.” So, lets exercise our prayers, do some lifting of good deeds and do a few push ups of faith.
Prayer: Gracious God, as you strengthened Jesus to deal with his daily life, give me your wisdom, patience and guidance to overcome my human. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Max
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