Many of us see March as a period of moving from winter to spring. The longer days and warmer temperatures assure us that spring is not far away. March is also a time when my soul seems to reawaken. My spirit is dulled during the shorter winter days and long nights. Up north, my soul seemed dormant for periods of the winter. Sometimes, in March, this awakening is like the green leaves of a tulip poking up out of the cold soil, ready to soak up the warm rays of sunlight. I hope and pray that God’s Spirit will awaken your soul and spirit on warmer March days! March is a time of moving ahead in the church year. We’ve been following Jesus these last 2 months, listening to His teaching. Now Jesus turns to travel toward Jerusalem and warns that He will suffer many things (Matt. 16:21, Mark 8:32, Luke 9:22); He knows that the cross and death wait in Jerusalem for Him. The Lord calls us, His followers, to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Him. He warns us of His upcoming death. He tells us there will be costs and risks to following Him to Jerusalem. Now, do we have the courage to keep following Jesus even when He speaks of suffering and death? Are we willing to ignore those who entice us to leave Jesus and enjoy a good time? Can we risk the wrath of those who oppose Jesus? Will we bear the cost to keep following Him? It’s a time to evaluate our walk with the Master and His role in our daily lives. Growing in Christ includes following Jesus for what we receive from Him (eternal life, peace, hope, love, joy) and what we sacrifice for Him. What are you sacrificing for the One who sacrificed His own life for you? What are you denying yourself for the Master? What cross or burden are you carrying for His Kingdom? If you were with Jesus when the Pharisees opposed Him, would you have supported Him? If you were with Jesus when the soldiers arrested Him, how would you have responded? It’s easy to say that we would have shown more courage than the disciples who ran away, but are you showing courage in expressing your faith? We’re moving into March. As we move from winter to spring, will you allow God’s Spirit to awaken your soul? As we move through these weeks of Lent, will you follow Jesus to the Cross? In the Savior’s service, Pastor Randy |