Goodbye Relationships - A Devotion for Lent

I have this philosophy which I like to call "goodbye relationships." You'll find it anywhere you find people. More specifically, people leaving other people. I've noticed it every time I have moved towns. I've noticed it in hospitals. I've noticed it on planes. You may not have realized it, but goodbye relationships are all around you. You've probably even been a part of them.

When we, as relational beings, find ourselves in a relationship that is coming to a close, something changes. Something shifts us into relationship survival mode. We begin to shake free from whatever fears or uncertainties may have hindered that relationship in some way. Every time, my wife and I have moved towns, an urgency has come upon us and we found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time with the friends we would be leaving behind. Regrets of not taking more time with friends…sooner. Goodbye relationships are found around every corner in hospitals and nursing homes. Loved ones clinging on to loved ones and desiring just one more moment from someone they've taken for granted in the past.

Here we are…a few days away from Holy Week. This is the time during which we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as he begins his last week of earthly ministry. It was his final week and he knew it. This was his last opportunity to physically be with the people he loved, and he took advantage of it. As we read scripture, we find the urgency in Jesus' actions and his words as he teaches in the temple. His intimacy with his closest friends as they share one last meal together. His intensity as he prayed at Gethsemane. "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." Luke 22:44

Jesus knew the time was drawing near when he would no longer be with his disciples. He knew there would be a time when he would not be able to go to the temple to teach and answer questions. This was it--His last week. He shifted into goodbye relationship survival mode. Only this wasn't for his survival, it was for ours. He knew what was to come at the end of the week, and he knew we wouldn't understand it. His concern and intensity was birthed from his love for us. He knew we would need some help in order to survive the coming storm. "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:7, 33

Jesus understood that, though he would die and no longer walk the earth as a man, the relationship wouldn't end there. He knew he would send a Counselor (John 16:7) that would come to dwell with man forever. His urgency and intensity was for our benefit. He would and did do all that he could to assure his eternal relationship with his creation. His urgency took him to a cross and then to a grave. But death could not conquer him. Through his sacrifice, we can rest in knowing that there is no goodbye relationship with Jesus, our Savior. If we trust in the Word that he left us and in the love and forgiveness he offers, he will dwell with us forever and we will dwell with him.

The Example - A Devotion for Lent

First there was the monocle. That small piece of glass held in with a squint of the eye.

Could there be more than this? Could we be missing something? Let's add ear pieces to hold them on for us.

Then there were spectacles. Those frames of metal and springs resting on the bridge of our noses.

But these aren't working. They hurt the back of my ears and keep sliding off my nose. Could we find something more convenient? Maybe there's something else we could try.

Contact Lenses. They fit tightly on your eyes. No need to worry about them hurting your ears.

But now I have to spend extra time every morning rinsing with saline solution and keeping them disinfected. Oh, the turmoil. Why can't we just not wear anything?

Ahhh, the wonders of LASIK!!

Let's shine lasers in our eyes. This should take care our problem...for now.

We live in a world of amazing technology, convenience, and comfort. A society that caters to our every whim. If we can dream it up, it's probably available somewhere…or at least it will be tomorrow. Everything from microwaves, TIVO’s, and iPods contribute to our me mind set. We even have 24-hour shopping centers to fit into my time schedule. And when I don’t have any extra time in my schedule, I can just pay my bills over the internet without leaving the comfort of my own home. It’s all about convenience. It’s all about me!!!

We are hard pressed to find examples in our culture that go against the grain and emphasize sacrifice and humility. Very little directs our focus onto what really matters. We do, however, have the example of Jesus Christ. His life and ministry focused, not on His own agenda, but the will of His Father. Even as His earthly ministry was coming to an end, praying at Gethsemane, He knew what was ahead of Him, and still He relinquished His own wants and desires, for the desire of His Father.

“Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, ‘Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” Mark 14:35-36. HCSB

We are bombarded by so many things throughout our day that try to make us comfortable...easy...tranquil, we miss what’s really going on. Satan tries to distract us with these empty substitutes that the world calls good; however, he can’t offer us the best. That is left up to God. God knew there was only one way to redeem the world. He had to make a sacrifice—His Son (Ephesians 5:2). He made a choice to send His Son, and His Son made a choice to carry it through. It wasn’t the most convenient. It wasn’t the most comfortable. But it was the best. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have Life, and we have it abundantly. Today, we, too, have a choice to make. It’s not easy. But it is worth it.

This week, allow yourselves to evaluate your day. What is holding your attention? Now, don’t get me wrong, comfort and convenience are not bad things...UNLESS...it is keeping you from something greater...the Best.

And before I go any further, let me clarify my opening statement, I am not opposed to LASIK (I may even have it done one day). After all, it helps us see more clearly. I pray your vision would, indeed, be clear this week and during this season of Lent. May you fix your eyes upon Jesus Christ and see Him as He truly is...the Savior...the Sacrifice...the Example.

Additional Scripture to meditate on:
Romans 12:1; Luke 9:23; Matthew 20:26-28; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 10:11-14; Daniel 3:28