What is our response to Jesus? What does He require?

As I think about the events that have taken place over the last few weeks - Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, and then Ash Wednesday - I struggle with the world’s view of these events.

Party hard, ask for forgiveness, and then for Lent, we give up something that most likely was not that hard to do in the first place. The life of Christ was a life of sacrifice and was not just easy going. Christ spent forty days in the desert fasting and praying and then to be tempted by Satan. He was rejected by so many and betrayed by Judas. Jesus prayed to God the Father, “If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will but as You will,” and then we crucified Him. All of the sacrifice Jesus made was to please the Father.

What is our response to Jesus? What does He require?  Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Matthew 9:13a “Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”

Maybe, just maybe, it’s better to give than to give up something . . .

 Selah

Pastor David