Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ~ Ephesians 5:1-2
Written by Renee Schenck | Pinnacle Deacon
My first thoughts around this scripture recall the words to a familiar hymn:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.
There is a welcome simplicity in these words and the mindset of being a child of God, of loving God and his ways unquestioningly, and in recognizing that Jesus is God incarnate, and ourselves, the direct beneficiaries of his sacrifice. Jesus was a healer, a liberator of those persecuted for their income, color, creed, or station in life or place of origin, a wise teacher who challenges others through both wit and compassion, an example of someone who treated everyone equally, an example of what we should strive to be. During Lent it is Jesus’ humanity that speaks to me the most. His suffering is a reminder to me that in my darkest passages, Jesus understands my suffering and grieves with me. During the last week of his life, he felt the sting of betrayal by a friend, of denial by a friend, and loneliness when his friends fell asleep on him in the Garden of Gethsemane when he had implored their protection. He was also honest in his relationship with God the Father, when he named the fear and dread of what was coming in the Garden of Gethsemane. He experienced physical anguish and literal heaviness of the cross with heartache. He withstood mockery, overexposure, and vulnerability in front of his enemies, heartbreak to leave behind those he loved, pain in seeing those around him also suffer, and the inevitable loss of his youth and life. It is his honesty and acceptance that helps me navigate through the challenging moments of my life. I have comfort knowing that my Jesus understands and loves me through it.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, walk with us as we seek to walk with you. Amen.