During Lent of 2020, with all that was going on in the world and reflecting on the state of Christianity within the United States, I decided to channel both my lament and my hope into a poetic reflection on the character of God I feel like is so evidently seen through Jesus as he journeyed to the cross in the final days of his ministry. It is this reflection that I give to you as the prologue of this devotional. I hope it sets the stage for our time together ahead.
We want the warhorse.
Jesus rides a donkey.
We want the bird of prey.
The Holy Spirit descends as a dove.
We want the militia.
Jesus calls disciples.
We want the courtroom.
Jesus sets a table.
We want the gavel.
Jesus washes feet.
We want to take up swords.
Jesus takes up a cross.
We want the empire.
Jesus embodies the Kingdom of God.
We want the nation.
Jesus calls the church.
We want the roaring lion.
God comes as a slaughtered lamb.
We keep trying to arm God.
God keeps trying to disarm us.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Written by Benjamin R Cremer
Submitted by Molly Letcher