I frequently end up bleeding when I work on a project.  Almost as frequently, I am unaware of what I did to cause the injury.  I was finishing up some work in the backyard one day.  Unsurprisingly, I discovered that my hand was bleeding.  Since I was close to being done, I opted for a temporary fix.  A cotton ball and some painter’s tape did the trick.  Later, I administered a less temporary solution.

Lent can be like that.  We are reminded that temporary fixes for sin are inadequate.  They do not even work as well as cotton balls and painter’s tape.  Indeed, they do not work at all.  But we can fool ourselves about all of that, or attempt to.  If we attempt to fool others about all of that, it is likely they see right through it.  And of course, God is never fooled.

So, our time in Lent reminds us of these truths.  And it leads us to the permanent fix supplied by God on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  By his wounds we are healed.  By his resurrection we are permanently fixed.  Every day of the year, the permanent fix is applied through the forgiving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit continually reminds us what the permanent fix has made true.  We are children of God.  Forgiven.  Hopeful.  Possessors of eternal life.

Never opt for a temporary fix for sin and its effects.  Look to the permanent fix supplied by our Lord Jesus.  As the ancient Israelites looked to the caduceus in the wilderness, look to Jesus.  We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado