Lent
Lenten roadmap: Romans 4:13-25
We are reading Romans 4 with the eyes of believers on a Lenten journey. There is a time for debate over law and gospel, works and grace—but not now.
Life-giving law: Psalm 19
Notice the size of this psalm: it moves from the revelation of God in the heavens to the revelation of God in scripture to the mysterious working of God’s word in the believer.
Altar call: Psalm 51:1-17
Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten journey to Jerusalem. It is best not to journey alone.
Test run (Mark 1:9-15)
In an account in which only Satan, wild animals, and angels are with Jesus, the reader is also present.
Dust to dust: The holiness of ashes
I am more at home with the ashes of Lent than with the perfect lilies of Easter.
Unlikely messenger: John 4:5-42
This is not a metaphorical desert. Left alone here at high noon, Jesus could die without water.
Bedrock truths: Matthew 4:1-11
The Tempter will return again and again. But we are never left alone.
Late-night seminar: John 3:1-17
Portrayed as a cowardly dolt, Nicodemus is usually spotted skulking about under cover of darkness.