Yesterday our Lenten Ladies gathered for Welsh Teacakes in honor of St. David’s Day(thanks to Lillian, baker and knower of saints) and to discuss our book: Flesh and Blood Jesus by Dan Russ.
Focusing on the humanity of Jesus, as this book does, forces a deeper look at Jesus as Son of Man, and a reexamination of how a Jesus so holy, as Son of God, could ever really “understand our weakness…” (Hebrews 4:15 NLT)
How does one wrap around the idea of a Baby God? Could there be a more oxymoronic title? As a friend reminded me yesterday, what do we imply when singing Away in a Manger,”the little Lord Jesus no crying he makes”?
It’s challenging to picture Jesus as needy, vulnerable, totally dependent on others, as babies are. Stunningly and hauntingly significant to think of Jesus at the mercy of others at the beginning and ending of His life on this earth.
At my age, I’m more aware of the end than the beginning of life. Not comfortable picturing myself becoming more dependent on others, needy, vulnerable. After all, I’m an American, proud to be independent, with ancestors from Scandinavia, praised for stubborn strength.
In observing Lent, I offer God a tithe of time, to offer gifts shrouded in neediness, weakness, loss of control. Lent’s a time of seeking,”what can I give Him, poor as I am?”
And so to prayer…
Jesus Christ, who needed diapers changed at life’s beginning and Simeon’s help lugging that sacred cross at life’s ending, have mercy on all your scraggly, struggling sheep. By Grace we come, limping into Lent, heels nipped by your hounds of heaven, fumbling for something to offer in your name.
Such paltry presents.
We.
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I love your Lenten thoughts, and that you get together with friends and study a book to focus more on Jesus, and that you’re giving Him a tithe of time, and your prayer…. thank you!!
Beautiful thoughts…and I too have shared in Lillian’s wonderful baking.
Thank you Jan.
Jan, I’m so glad I discovered your writing again (thanks to a shout out from friends in New England). I shared “Limping into Lent” with my pastor-husband last week, who then asked me to read it aloud to those present from several churches for a Lenten prayer gathering on Sunday evening. Your words reach far, friend!