Initial Thoughts
Lent 1
February 26, 2012

Initial Thoughts
by David von Schlichten

Genesis 9:8-17: I like pointing out to people that God hangs the bow in the sky to remind GODSELF never to destroy the world by flood again. What does it mean that this text shows God needing a reminder?

The passage also teaches about mercy, second chances, forgiveness, important themes for Lent.

1 Peter 3:18-22: Christ descends into the world of the dead to liberate the people there. In other words, not even death or Hell can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

If Christ descended into the dead to save people, then perhaps Christ will do it again. Maybe repeatedly Christ descends into hell to liberate people. Hmmmm.

Mark 1:9-15: Christ's showdown in the wilderness against Satan. Mark tells us so little about it. I wonder why. What is Mark trying to teach us about the story that he says so little about?

LENT: How do we guide people in the early days of Lent? Maybe one way is to challenge them to consider disciplines that do not shed pounds but strengthen and focus the soul.

I think I'm going on a pilgrimage in Lent. I'm going to pick a place of spiritual significance, figure out how far away it is, and then walk that distance during my workouts in Lent.

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)