A Wild & Precious Easter

“Mangrove tree inside Snipes Point near Key West,” Florida Memory, Wikimedia Commons

by Rev. Laura Barclay

I had the opportunity to go on a much needed vacation recently with my husband to sunny Key West. Because he had looked forward to this for weeks, he immediately wanted to book some excursions. We settled on a jet ski tour around the island and a boat trip that included snorkeling in the middle of the ocean. After nearly drowning in the ocean when I was 12, I was less than enthused about these choices, but I try to live by Eleanor Roosevelt's advice to "do one thing everyday that scares you."

I was even less enthused the next day when I realized we had hired a speed demon for a jet ski instructor who used words like "gnarly" and "rad" far too much. My options were to go between 45 - 50 mph and risked being flayed by the water if I fell off or lose site of the guide and wander aimlessly off the coast. While I like a bit of adventure, these are not my idea of good choices.

During one of the rare times he stopped to give us information about the island, he told us about the mangrove islands off the coast that we were about to fly past and barely see at breakneck speeds. He said that mangroves aren't actually saltwater plants. So how do they live in saltwater? They send a sacrificial leaf down to soak up all the salt. While this leaf withers and dies, the rest of the plant remains hearty and healthy.

I was just about to ask another question when he revved up his engine and rocketed away, and the moment passed. Later, I thought of this plant and how timely it was to learn this lesson the week before Easter. Throughout Lent, we give up bad habits or taken on spiritual practices in the hopes of reconnecting with the very core of our faith in God, and perhaps to learn something about ourselves. 

What is our sacrificial leaf? What have we had to give up so that we could flourish in our lives and our calling? Isn't that a bit like taking up our cross, as Jesus bid us to do? Well, in order to make it to the end of that terrifying jet ski tour, I had to give up fear. Instead of thinking about the sickening sound my body would make hitting the water at high speeds, I tried to focus on the wind in my hair, the color of the water, and the uniqueness of the moment.  I realized would never be in this situation were I in control. Control can be both good and bad; we can surround ourselves with things that comfort us, but we may miss a lot of great experiences. 

Our God is a great one who defeated death. Jesus flipped our world on it's end when he showed that the evil power of a corrupt Roman ruler wouldn't have the last say. Nothing is safe. The order of things has been upended. C.S. Lewis put it best in his "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" when the children are nervous about meeting the Christ-like character of the lion, Aslan. Susan says, "Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

In a world where anything can happen, we aren't in really in control, and we follow a God who can defeat death itself, what does Easter mean?  In this celebration of our risen Lord, I think we should all ask ourselves what our place is in this world. If we take up our cross, shed our sacrificial leaf, and lean into God's call, what could we do? What will we do?

As the great poet Mary Oliver asked, "Tell me, what will you do with your one wild and precious life?"

The article originally appeared on "Next Sunday Resources":  http://www.nextsunday.com/a-wild-precious-easter/

Why Lent?

by Rev. Mike Currin


February 13 this year marks the beginning of the Lenten season. I must admit that in my early years, we didn't talk much in Baptist circles about the season of Lenten.  I am thankful that Baptists, at least some,  make the season of Lent important in their spiritual lives.  For me the season is a special time in my journey toward Easter. Properly defined, Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and for some even fasting in order to grow closer to God. It’s the forty days before Easter, excluding about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of time).

In earlier times, people used Lent as a time of fasting and repentance. Biblically, at Jesus’ baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased.” Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit where he fasted and prayed for 40 days.   During his time there he was tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry.

Maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life.   Maybe he needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God (and himself) more clearly.  Perhaps he wanted some intentional time with God as he searched for direction and answers like you.  Like Jesus, we may need to take some serious time to pray and listen for God.

Lent is a great time to “repent” — to return to God and re-focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. It’s a 40 day trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change your heart.  Rev. Penny Ford, a United Methodist minister has suggested some ideas to try during the Lenten Season. I list these to get you thinking about what you might consider:

1. Volunteer one hour or more each week.
2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.
3. Be kind to someone each day.
4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way.
5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.
6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.
7. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it (maybe even yourself).
8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew’s a good book to start with.  Psalms, too.)
9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-mail.   Before you text someone, pray for them.
10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Facebook, texting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray.

Whatever you choose, may it lead to your spiritual growth through these days as we move to Easter. May God bless you spiritually this Lent!

Mike Currin is the pastor of Littleton Baptist Church in Littleton, NC. This article originally appeared in the Littleton Baptist News.

Lectionary Musings

by Rev. Mark Reece

I really love the sequence of texts the lectionary offers us preachers for walking with our congregations through the season of Lent. I want to offer some words concerning the lectionary for those who have expressed curiosity and elaborate on its importance during the season of lent. The Revised Common Lectionary offers four preaching texts for each Sunday of the year. There is always a passage from the Psalms, the Old Testament, the New Testament and a second reading from the New Testament that could include any passage outside the Gospels. Preachers and worship teams are afforded the privilege of praying and studying the texts to see which one we feel led to use as the center-piece of worship. The music, readings and others expressions of worship should revolve around the scriptural theme of worship.

In more liturgical traditions, pastors are often expected to use the prescribed lectionary texts as a part of the Sunday litany. As Baptists, in the free tradition, we have more flexibility and are able to embrace the lectionary texts when we feel led or go in other directions. It’s a far easier task for us to open the scriptures and peruse the pages until something sticks out at us. However, when a preacher and congregation embrace the lectionary we’ve disciplined our selves to focus on texts that we might not typically focus on in a service of worship. We’re required to dig and pray with the belief that in every Biblical passage there is a Word from the Lord.

I often embrace the lectionary during the seasons of Advent, Lent and Eastertide. The lectionary texts are selected in such a way as to direct our thoughts and our spirits on a spiritual journey. I encourage you to reflect upon the passages we’ve reflected on this Lenten journey. From Jesus in the desert, to Abraham and Sarah’s wilderness, to Jesus overturning the moneychangers in the temple – the lectionary continually invites us to deeper and more rigorous contemplation and spiritual reflection. While these Lenten passages have taught us something about the human condition and our insistence to often go our own way, each passage has a hint of resurrection with the goal of pointing our hearts toward Resurrection Sunday.

Today’s text, Numbers 21:4-9 places us right square in the desert with Moses and the Israelites. The Israelites were hungry for the Promised Land and tired of being in the wilderness. They became impatient and not only did they grumble against God but they grumbled against their leader. Their attitude was the catalyst for some pretty bad news. God sent serpents into the wilderness, biting the people, and some of them died. As you might imagine, their attitude towards God and Moses changed from discontentment to a yearning for mercy.

How does God respond to the Israelite’s suffering? God does not remove the serpents from the desert but God does provide possible alleviation from their suffering. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” This is a dreadful story of the Israelites forgetting where they came from and the worsening condition that resulted. But it’s a beautiful story of God’s grace, mercy and power to provide resurrection in the middle of the desert. “Everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” That’s good news brothers and sisters. That’s good news from the heart of the desert. The lectionary text this week calls us to self-reflection in the wilderness yet offers a glimpse of resurrection. Be blessed this week!

Mark Reece is the pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Mount Airy, NC. This article originally appeared in their church newsletter, The Grove.

Into the Wilderness - A Lenten Reflection

by Rev. Laura Barclay
Matthew 4:1-11 - Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
We are beginning the 40-day period of Lent, when Christians begin a period of reflection and strive for spiritual growth leading up to Easter. For a brief history of Lent, check out my post last year, where I also suggested a resource for prayer and meditation.
In the text above, Jesus has not yet begun his ministry, yet is confronted
with temptation. Material wealth and coercive power are offered if Jesus will just change his path. Instead, Jesus is steadfast in his ways. He recognizes this as petty bribery and knows that he is destined to help God’s people. Often Jesus is pictured as above, a powerful image of a good man versus an ugly demon. I actually prefer the image to the right, with a fatherly looking figure talking to a young man, as if offering him something harmless. It seems to reflect reality and something we might face, making the biblical narrative more approachable. The painting illustrates that our seemingly innocuous decisions can have a large impact, for good or bad.
I wonder what this looks like in our own lives. Have you ever faced a time when you knew you were coming to a crossroads--that you could either go down a path of self-destruction and selfishness or follow the path of love shown to us by Jesus? Perhaps these are dramatic events like career changes or altering one’s worldview, or perhaps they are small, everyday occurrences like stopping to talk to someone who’s lonely, depressed or in trouble. Maybe it’s re-prioritizing our lives to attempt to make the needs of others more important than ourselves. Whatever that might look like, silence, prayer, and reflection could only help to sort out our confusion and make sure we are living for God and neighbor rather than living only to build wealth and fame for ourselves.
Spirituality and active love are interconnected. Only when we are striving for good practices of silence, meditation, or prayer, can we stop to hear the cries of others, as Jesus did. Most of us are used to a busy pace, so perhaps we would be more comfortable with a walking prayer. During such an active prayer, we can intentionally walk around our cities, towns, and neighborhoods, observing both needs and assets. As we go, let us give prayers of thanksgiving for community assets and ask God how we can help organize those assets to do the greatest good. This kind of walking prayer can be done with family, friends, or church members, and sharing what you discover with them and others might spark something –a new ministry, partnership or sharing of information that could better the community.
May your time of reflection lead you out into the world to join God’s good work.

Don't Rush to the Cross

by Rev. Laura Barclay

We are entering the season of Lent, a 40-day time of reflection and spiritual growth for Christians in preparation for Easter. This sacred time has been observed in some form since the 2nd century and more uniformly since the 5th century when Pope St. Leo preached of its importance. The 40-day length of time was most likely based on the days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting during his temptation. Throughout Catholic history, it was customary to fast or only eat small vegetarian meals during the Lenten days and have feasts every Sunday (Lent excludes Sundays, which are seen as miniature celebrations of Easter). Participating in Lent was required throughout all Christianity until the Protestant Reformation. Now, all denominations view participation during this season to be more of a voluntary event. Traditionally, Baptists did not celebrate Lent. More recently, some Baptists are trying to renew the observance of the liturgical year, realizing that cutting all ties with Catholic spirituality was a bit like throwing the baby out with the bath water. Christian reflection and spiritual growth are necessary components in one’s faith journey, and essential to absorb the meaning of the holidays and rituals our religion holds so dear.

One tradition that developed among Christians was to give up certain things they liked during this time, sacrificing a treasured routine in remembrance of Jesus, who sacrificed his life by speaking truth to power and demonstrating a new way of being in his ministry. A more recent practice has developed that has helped me in my spiritual journey—taking on a discipline like praying, meditation, volunteer work, etc. Last year, I took on wearing a cross necklace everyday for Lent. I have always struggled with the use, or rather misuse, of the cross. Instead of symbolizing the depth of love that Jesus had for humanity, it came to symbolize war and violence during the Crusades. In America, crosses became associated with terrorism and hate crimes committed by the Ku Klux Klan, efforts of some churches to exclude persons who may be different than others, and as a way to define “who’s in and who’s out” rather than the inclusive and boundless hospitality of Jesus. The 40 days I wore that cross gave me an opportunity to explore what the cross means to me, and gave me a chance to have deep and meaningful conversations with some of my friends, both Christian and non-Christian, who expressed the same reservations. The practice also forced me to slow down and reflect on Jesus’ life and ministry, which is full of meaning and instruction on human relationships toward one another and God, rather than skip to the end of the story. Rushing to Easter is something we all have the urge to do, but meditation on his life gives context and understanding to his death and resurrection.

This year, I am going to work on prayer. I have always found it hard to still the chatter and commentary on activities of the day inside my head. If you’ve seen the TV-show Scrubs, the main character’s never-ending thoughts that supplement the dialogue might give you an idea of my overactive brain. I also have a family history of high blood pressure, which silent prayer and meditation have been scientifically proven to lower. I will use www.pray-as-you-go.org, an online resource provided by Jesuit priests that CBFNC’s Executive Coordinator, Larry Hovis, used during one of our staff devotionals. It allows you to meditate on scripture, which is read several times, and think introspectively about spiritually related questions. I have found that focusing my mind on Scripture rather than trying to meditate in complete silence helps to keep my mind from wandering too far off topic.

If you want to try to add a discipline during Lent, you can try the website above or:
http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion/ -- This resource is produced by Passport and sponsored by the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., and CBF.
http://sacredspace.ie/ -- This resource is produce by Irish Jesuits.
http://anglicansonline.org/special/lent.html -- This Anglican website has many helpful Lenten resources.

I wish you good luck in your spiritual journey toward the cross and a fruitful path of reflection.