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Lent
Shh….Can you hear it?
As I write this, I’m sitting next to a window that
faces a fairly busy Trenton street. From this place, I can hear cars
driving by, doors slamming on vehicles and gates, a siren in the distance…
There are other things, the sound of a ceiling fan, the
copier buzzing excitedly, even my new computer as its fan works on overdrive…
All around us is sound. Sound and noise blanketing
everything that we hear. Sometimes it can be a stereo in a car, the
television, maybe even loud conversations happening in your home. All
around us is sound. And sometimes our own minds can be noisy as well. We
can be filled with so many worries, pains, or selfish desires that even our
own bodies seem to make noise. And so, both outwardly and inwardly we are
surrounded by noise.
There was a story in 1 Kings 19 where Elijah, the
prophet, is in trouble. His life is threatened, and he is on the run.
Exhausted, he asks God to let him die so that he can be away from all of
this. But God tells him to go up a mountain and wait for God to come near.
As Elijah waits, a mighty wind comes up, shaking the
rocks loose around him. But God is not there. Then there is a great
earthquake, causing the ground to tremble. But God is not there. Then a
mighty fire, burning and consuming, but God is not there. Then comes a
still, small voice. And God is there.
Our lives are full of so many noises and sounds, all of
which compete for our attention. But in this Lenten season, we are called
to repent, which means turning away. It means to turn away from the way we
have lived, and, just as importantly, find a new way. It is a time to
listen for the small, still voice of God to help change our lives, and to
follow the way of Jesus. May your life represent and follow the path of our
Savior. God be with you!
Peace,
Pastor Aaron Richter |
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