Vicki of Nashville has done it again. Try as I might, I can’t find any thread linking the lectionary-assigned readings. Can you? This is, of course, the first weekend in Lent, where believers look inward at their own foibles and simultaneously outward at what God is creating. We expect a roller-coaster ride of spirituality, both the rapid descent into the despair of the World System as reported in the news headlines, and the painfully slow ascent of the Mountain of God where we hope–know?–there will be a Peaceable Kingdom revealed.
DEUTERONOMY 26:1-11 outlines a formula for bringing and dedicating the first “fruit” of the land which God has given. The writer knows that over time people forget the agonies of Egypt and the long, hot sojourn in the desert. Here then is a pattern for acknowledging both the riches God has provided in the Promised Land and the way in which we all are accepted no matter where we’ve wandered. We–ancient Hebrews or contemporary Americans–are strongly reminded that goods and places are gifts of God, wherever the journey has led.
ROMANS 10:8b-13 brings us to an affirmation that “the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on [God]”. Through the life and proclamation of Christ, our faith is accessible to all, wherever they have been. “The Lenten season invites us to self-examination regarding the extent to which God’s generosity is written upon our hearts.” (Robert W. Prim, in FEASTING on the WORD, C 2:43) To which I would also add “God’s mercy”.
LUKE 4:1-11 is the tale of the Temptations of Jesus. We notice in this narrative (as opposed to that of Matthew) that Jesus was LED to the wilderness by the Spirit, evidently for further training in holiness. Here the devil (wait a moment–was this Satan, the Tempter, or the little devil which sits on our shoulders?) gave Jesus three possible scenes for his ministry. Henri Nouwen gives them current names: to be Relevant (“turn these stones to bread. Imagine how food deprivation would cease!”); Powerful (“if you worship me, all glory will be yours!”); and Spectacular (“throw yourself from the Temple and astound the people with your protection!”). To all of these, Jesus maintained that God continues to be generous and faithful. “We must be tested, often by being led to places of hunger and despair. Only then do we learn dependence on God, who graciously provides for all of our needs in all of life’s seasons.” (Jeffery L. Tribble, Sr.,ibid., p.44)
So maybe the thread here is the constant providence of God, who meets us in whatever desert we live with reminders of generosity and mercy. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Please pass this writing to your friends and join us every Tuesday for an exploration of scripture lessons expected to be heard on the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com
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