Lenten devotions 2008

Tue, 5 Feb 2008

FEB. 6 - OUT OF THE DEPTHS
By Bob Yoder, campus pastor

WELCOME:
Out of the depths. The depths of what? Does "out" assume that it's better than being "in" it? In these recent sub-zero days in Goshen, I'd rather be "in" the safe, warm buildings than "out" where my lungs burn from the chilled air and my nose reddens. However, many scriptural "depth" images do not convey such a safe, warm place of comfort.

Welcome to Goshen College's online devotional series for the 2008 Lent season! "Out of the depths" is this year's theme, taken from Mennonite Church USA worship resources. We are invited to see Lent as a 40-day journey from rebellion to obedience, from blindness to sight, from death to life and from power to grace. From today (Ash Wednesday) thru March 23 (Easter), 35 Goshen College students, faculty and staff will reflect on this theme, as well as daily Scriptures and the seven weekly sub- themes: "Into the wilderness," "Into new birth," "Into the open," "Into new sight," "Into new life," "Into the depths" and "We have seen the Lord." And if you find these devotions a meaningful contribution to your journey through Lent, consider passing them on to a friend or relative who you think might also appreciate them.

Over a year ago, I immersed myself in the "out of the depths" language of biblical lament in Lamentations and Psalms as part of my doctoral study. I also examined original laments written by adolescents. What did I learn? There is much loss and brokenness in their lives and when given the appropriate opportunity, they were eager to honestly express their realities to God that sought salvation from whatever "depth" they were in.

Recently, I realized more of my own depth…and that I wanted out! Did I get there because of my own rebellion? My own blindness? I’m not sure. It didn’t matter. I was there. So, I set aside a period of time in my life, 10 weeks, where I engaged biblical lament language that scrapes and claws itself toward God. Lent gives us time to consider our own depths so that we may realize God’s transformative love, which reaches down offering to help us out.

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PRAYER:
God, help us to realize the smells, sounds and sights of the uncomfortable depths we find ourselves, and extend to us your loving mercy that yearns to pull us out.


Posted at 08:59 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.