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A TRANSFORMING GOD
The Lord God
helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have
set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to
shame ... It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me
guilty?
Throughout Lent, we have
talked about being changed by the love of God and being moved by
that love to serve.
As we gather for worship this morning, we will experience change
in a dramatic way. The Palm Sunday shouts of "Hosanna!" will
quickly be replaced by shouts of "Crucify him" as we hear the
story of the last week of Jesus' life. The joy of welcoming the
Savior into Jerusalem will be overcome by the pain and sadness
of Christ's final days.
We don't always experience such a significant change so quickly.
Often, change is more subtle and occurs over a period of time.
That change can either lead us closer to God or farther away
from God. However, we trust that God continues to work in our
hearts, wakening our ears to hear the good news of his love and
grace each morning. As God changes our hearts, our attitudes
change as well. Even when we face challenges, we can stand sure
in God's love and grace. When we trust that God is near and will
help us, our shame and fear is changed to grace and confidence.
Especially on this day when we hear the passion story, we may
quickly associate these words from the prophet Isaiah with
Jesus: "I gave my back to those who struck me ... I did not hide
my face from insult and spitting." We know all too well that
this is precisely the story we will hear about Jesus during this
coming week. But when Jesus died and rose again, he changed the
world - and each one of our lives - forever.
Transforming God, you
changed the world with your love. Continue to awaken us to your
Word, that we, too, may be changed and learn to trust in you
completely. Amen.
The Rev. Kristin Neitzel
Associate Pastor
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