Lenten Reflections - Gerry Nester
“ . . . [T]hrough the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, . . . through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous.”
Romans 5:19
Which will we choose to be? The disobedient Adam or the ever obedient Jesus? What contrasts are presented to us in these readings!!
Adam and Eve begin in the glory of God’s creation, but through their disobedience they fall from His grace. Jesus begins in a desert place, denying himself food and comfort. Through His obedience, He is ministered by the angels.
Adam and Eve were looking for the immediate payout: a nice piece of fruit and knowledge of good and evil. They ignored the long-term goal: life in the glory of God’s creation and presence forever more. Jesus, on the other hand, denies himself the immediate pleasures and rewards offered by Satan: food, comfort and power. He knew it would ever separate him from His Father.
Adam and Eve allowed themselves to be led by the serpent to the plush tree whose food was pleasing and desirable. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to fast and be tempted by the devil.
This is my Lenten challenge: Set aside the comforts of my life and allow the Spirit to lead me into the desert. Develop, again, the discipline and strength to respond to the temptations of my life. Have I developed the discipline to make the best choice? What am I doing in Lent to help me develop that discipline? Am I taking the easy road with the quick payout that is so temptingly delicious? Or am I willing to deny myself “to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ?” Romans 5:12.
It is not a road I travel alone nor in fear because the gift of God, Jesus Christ, is the gift that will bring acquittal of sins. And the payout at the end of the Lenten season is the re-living of the gift of the Eucharist and the glory of the Resurrection. That’s worth waiting for!
Gerry Nester
