Daily Reading
Daily Reflection
Eugene Peterson, a modern day theologian and writer, has described heresy as "a lie about God." Nicodemus got to hear Jesus let loose on one of the greatest heretical ideas of all time. He wasn't talking about some of the controversial ideas that have troubled the church over the centuries or that grab the headlines when the church is embroiled in controversy today. No, the heresy that Jesus sets straight is a fundamental question about who is God. The idea is simple and it comes in two varieties, both of which miss the boat. The first goes like this: God is indifferent to us and can't be bothered with the trivial concerns of our lives. The second is no better: God is wrathful and angry and is furious with all of us and unless we clean up our act we're done for. Jesus sets us straight on both counts! Is God indifferent? No. God loves the world (John 3:16). God loves the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Is God furious and gunning for us? Well, he is angered by the evil of the world, by injustice and anything that vandalizes his purposes for love, justice, and peace. How could he not be and still be a good God? If we turn from him he honors our choice. But Jesus tells us emphatically that God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:17). Jesus is telling us another fundamental truth about the spiritual quest: long before you ever thought of seeking God, God was seeking you. As you seek him, you don't have to manipulate or persuade him to take an interest in you. He already loves you more than you can think or imagine!
Daily Worship Resources
Morning Readings: Psalms 121 > | Isaiah 51:1-3 >
Evening Readings: 2 Timothy 1:3-7 >
Other Resources
Read Introduction to the Lent Tradition >
Download pdf of entire Lent devotion >