Christ Church Rockville Lenten Devotion
Jer. 31:27-34
Rom. 11:25-36
John 11:28-44, or 12:37-50
As a child, I feared the lurking dark of my closet. To ease my fears, my father installed a small light I could turn on and off. As I grew older and braver, I no longer needed the light to sleep. O how I wish it were like this: just turn on a light, cast away all darkness, and turn to an ever-abiding faith.
These scripture passages not only tell of symbolic stumblings in the dark “because there is no light within” but also of the enlightened, sure-footed times God’s children trust in His wisdom and in Christ’s glory. Jeremiah speaks of the Lord, His depth and wisdom, and assures us with His forgiveness. Even as the Israelites sin and doubt, He plans to “write [law] in their hearts.” In Romans, Paul, too, gives a hopeful sign for doubters for “how unsearchable are His judgements.” And in John, as the once “blind” apostles see Lazarus rise from the dead, their hearts open to Christ’s miracles.
Yet with all of Jeremiah’s promise, Lazarus’ new life, and Paul’s steadfast belief in God’s glory, I can stumble. I can lose my way. But it is in the losing, I can find my way back.
O come Lord, turn on a light, and write it on my heart.
