By Pastor Don Schatz

Hope in the Background

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“The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed….But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home”
2 Peter 3:10, 13  New Revised Standard Version.

Verse 10 is certainly a Lenten Season verse.  Yet, Peter followed it up a few verses later with verse thirteen.  The Season of Lent is like that.  The reality of sin’s dark transformation of the whole cosmos’ purpose.  Including ours.  Yet, the Lenten journey moves us toward promise.  Toward hope in Christ Jesus.  It leads us to Christ’s empty cross and empty tomb.

What first captures your eye in the photograph?  Is it the burned tree?  It is in the foreground, after all.  We tend to find our attention captured by what is right in front of us.  ‘Can’t see the forest for the tress’ and all that.

After a first look, perhaps then we notice the house in the background.  Totally untouched by the fire.  If the photo were wider, you see the stone wall that is all that is remaining of a 120 year-old structure that was destroyed when the tree was killed.  The house in the background is even more remarkable then.  “In accordance with [God’s] promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.”

Righteousness can be at home right now.  In our homes and families, and in our hearts, minds and souls.  Look at the background of your life.  See there the promise of God in Christ Jesus.  Hope.  Salvation.  Forgiveness.  Grace.  Mercy.  Compassion.  Divine love.  All directed at you.  There is so much more to you and your life than just what is in front of you.

Of course, Lent not only shows us the background, but leads us to the future of our lives.  Just so, we are surrounded by God’s love in Christ Jesus.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado