Lenten Devotions 8

Now that Lent has come and gone and we are now officially into the season of Easter, I want to do something I meant to do throughout Lent. As you may know, Fourth Church puts out daily devotions that are available via email, on the website, or in print each week. Most of the time, these are written by members of the Fourth Church staff. During special seasons of the church year, like Lent, we also invite members of the congregation to contribute to these. This year's Lent devotions were excellent, and several of them were written by Fourth Church youth or adults associated with the youth program. As something of a Lenten retrospective, I want to post these Fourth Church Youth devotions on this blog, in case you missed them before. Thanks to all who worked hard on writing these!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:3–14

Reflection
Apocalyptic views of the world aren’t images that get a lot of attention in mainline Christian denominations. Yet today’s passage uses such language, which we also find in Revelation, and references apocalyptic verses from the Old Testament. So what is its relevance to us?

Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for the struggles they will face in the days and years ahead as they spread his story. In fact, there is some indication that the writer of Matthew may have been speaking to the then-current-day realities of early Christians. Buried in Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question is a promise: “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

This prediction of hardship echoes Jesus’ own persecution and passion. But Jesus’ struggle is ultimately our struggle. He endured the cross and grave so that we wouldn’t have to.

As we experience the Passion story this week, think of the struggles in your own life. Perhaps it is unemployment, a bout with cancer or other illness, a difficult time at work, grief over the loss of loved one, or a failed relationship. Whatever the struggle, remember his promise.

Our challenge is to look beyond the doomsday scenarios and see the new beginning. Indeed, the story of Easter is ultimately one of hope—hope that after a long ordeal there are better days to come. That’s often a difficult thing to remember in the midst of an ordeal. Yet it is the foundation of our faith, and for me, it has been the basis for comfort, strength, and confidence in good times and bad.

Prayer
Jesus, as I journey through this Holy Week, remind me that your struggle is my struggle. Strengthen my faith through the story of your passion and resurrection, and remind me of your promise that there will be better days. Amen.

Written by Mark Nelson, Senior High Leader