Such Profound Ministry in so Little Time…

This Lent we were invited and challenged to think about how we would live differently if we only had six weeks to live. And in the context of that theme, we reflected on the Seven Last Words of Christ. In other words we looked at how Jesus used the last six HOURS of his life, even on the cross, to bring healing, life, and ministry to those around him. It's been a thought-provoking theme and I've appreciated the conversations I've had with members of our congregation around this theme.

I'm always amazed and moved by the Seven Last Words of Christ. I never grow weary of hearing them. For me, the Seven Last Words of Christ help me understand a little better - as I enter Holy Week - why we adore Jesus, why we love him so dearly, and why we worship him. Even though entire books cannot exhaust the meaning of the Seven Last Words of Christ, I'd like reflect on a few of those Last Words of Christ that spoke to me in particular this Lenten Season, in the context of "six weeks to live."

If I only had six weeks to live could I forgive those who have hurt me? Jesus did. In the last six hours of his life Jesus forgave those who crucified him. Not after they repented or showed any signs of remorse, but while they were crucifying him he forgave them. Wow. I find forgiveness to be a lot easier when someone has said they're sorry or when they've changed their ways, but this is not the kind of forgiveness Jesus modeled from the cross. Jesus forgave unconditionally, when there was great personal cost for him. Lord, who do I need to forgive unconditionally so that I can be set free from the anger and bitterness?

If I only had six weeks to live could I still minister to others who are hurting? Jesus did. In the last six hours of his life Jesus, in the midst of his suffering, found the love and compassion to care for his mother and his beloved friend and disciple, John. How incredible that in the midst of his own pain, Jesus saw their pain and had to be sure that they would both be taken care of. I find that ministry comes easier when life feels balanced, all the bills are paid and everyone's healthy. Again, a stark contrast from what Jesus modeled from the cross. Is it possible that we can minister to others even more powerfully when we ourselves are hurting? Lord, who do I need to care for, even in the midst of my own life challenges and heartaches?

If I only had six weeks to live would I have the love and compassion to tell others about the kingdom of God? Even those who are less lovable, or those who seem to be doing just fine without God in their life, thank you very much? Would I have the courage and concern to talk to THEM about God? Once again, Jesus did. In the last six hours of his life, Jesus, the one who lived a fully obedient life, showed mercy on a condemned criminal hanging on a cross next to Jesus, in the very last hours of his life. Jesus could have judged the criminal, along with the rest of society, but instead had compassion on him, and invited him into the kingdom of God.

Sharing the good news of Jesus with someone who is hungry for God is a joy. Sharing God's hope and peace with someone who seems hardened or angry at God can be difficult. But Jesus died for everyone. Lord, show me who needs to hear your message of grace and forgiveness. Please give me the courage and faithfulness to share your love, even with those who "appear" distant or uninterested in spiritual matters, remembering that we ALL have a deep need for your abundant grace.

So, if I only had six weeks to live, could I reflect even a glimmer of the kind of selfless love Jesus demonstrated from the cross? It's a very humbling question to consider. Truth be told, I know I miss opportunities every day to minister to others, to bring healing to others, and to advance the kingdom of God. I also know that this is why Jesus died for me. Because I fall short. Every day. But maybe, just maybe, I am a bit more aware of how God could use me TODAY, if only - by God's grace - I can pay closer attention to God's Spirit in my life and around me, and obey a little more quickly when the Spirit nudges me… for Jesus' sake.

Thanks be to God for the indescribable gift of his son, Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Cara H.