Sins can be compared to the irritation caused by a flea bite all the way to death from the bite of a rattlesnake. There is always some degree of pain, some worse than others. Lent, at the very least, is a reminder of the pain caused by Sin. As much as we want to “shout the Victory” all the time, the pain of sin can mute the shout….for a while…. In the quiet moments after the reminders of how rough it can be and how rough each of us can be on each other, we realize the cost to God to love and forgive: God’s total investment in US to the point of Death.

This is what Lent helps us to remember. Jesus’ ministry and His life’s journey is toward the Cross. That should stir something in us! It is a journey we should be taking since we are the Sinners, but we don’t have to go to the Cross. What we do take upon us is acts of gratitude and thanksgiving. And those often involve the faith and willingness to change. Thus, a Forty Day journey with potential to really grow in Christ, to grow in spiritual maturity. Forty Days to put the bites of fleas and rattlesnakes in their “proper place!”

There is a balm in Gilead after all! Sin sick souls need that!

Lenten Blessings!

Pastor Barry