Pastor's Corner

He Was Crucified

It was a Lutheran girl, Linda, who started the whole thing. "You've never heard of Lent?" she asked us incredulously. We were gathered for an interfaith Bible study in our dorm. The room was packed with curious Protestants. "Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Easter," she explained. "You're supposed to give up something-something you like-until Easter." Practically in unison, they asked her why.

"Well," she said gently, "When I give up something I like to remember that Christ gave up everything for me." The room was silent as we each considered Linda's words. Moments later the decision was made to practice Lent that year, most of us choosing to fast from chocolate!

“I had never taken Easter more seriously,” Linda continued. As a typical, middle-class Canadian she had been deprived of little. She is now depriving herself of something seemingly insignificant. After all, chocolate is a "creature comfort." Some of you may disagree, but it is truly not necessary for survival! However, in the weeks following her decision, her thoughts were turned toward the Easter story-Christ's suffering, crucifixion, death, and ultimate resurrection--every day. Because of Linda's testimony, I realized my sacrifice was little, but I knew it would count. I believed God would honor my heart's desire to experience Easter in a deeper way.

The Old Testament concept of sacrifice was expressed in the practice of presenting an offering to the Lord. The "first fruits" of the harvest were given out of gratitude to the Lord. This was a way of recognizing and honoring God's faithfulness in providing for every need. In addition, an animal sacrifice was made once a year as atonement for sins. This was necessary because under Old Testament law, there was no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood.

We don't make animal sacrifices anymore because of Jesus Christ. As New Testament believers, we understand that because of His death on the cross and His resurrection three days later, "Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him" (Hebrews 9:28).

Does your heart sing to hear those words? Or have years of the "old, old story" bred a familiarity in you that no longer fully perceives the truth of His sacrifice?

In the hustle and bustle of lives grounded in 21st century convenience, it's hard to be still and hear the tread of Christ's sandaled feet on the dusty roads of Jerusalem. The Bible says that “a day to the Lord is like a thousand years to us, then Jesus Christ died and rose again a mere two days ago!” Where's the excitement in our lives? Where is our sense of urgency to tell our friends, family, and neighbours marvelous good news that a sacrifice has been made once and for all?

If it has been a long time since we considered the power of Easter, I invite you to join me in giving up something for Lent. It might seem a bit silly, but if by this act you are brought to the cross each day, then how foolish can it be? If it causes you to think on Christ and His passion for you, if it causes a renewed passion in your own life for Him, then I believe it's a good idea. He was crucified, for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the salvation of all humanity because of his deep Love for us.

God gave up everything for us in offering His Son as payment for our sins. Show us if there is something we can offer God--something we like--that would cause us to bow more deeply at His throne this season. As we journey through Lent, may the Holy Spirit open our hearts and fill us with a fresh knowledge of Christ’s passion, and indeed, as Easter arises may we walk down that paved road in our Sunday pumps, may we hear the sandaled footsteps of our newly risen Lord among us. With the hymn ‘He is Risen’ on our lips. May God richly bless and guide you in the season of Lent.

Together in Christ,
Pastor Samuel K. King-Kabu

Linda's Travels - Part 1 : Trinidad / Tobago

Just a week ago, I was using the Internet at the Blue Waters Resort, a beachfront vacation spot on the eastern coast of Tobago !
(What a difference today - as I shiver – back in Montreal !)

As I caught up with my family's activities, a steel band played in the dining-room/bar on the main floor below me.

We awoke to the Atlantic surf washing up near our little bungalow.

Quite different from our stay in Trinidad - at the Asa Wright Bird Sanctuary - where a very insistent pygmy owl sang out our morning wake-up call! We were in the middle of virgin forest - much of the island is under protection - a true "rain forest". Yes, it rained almost every day !

This was a Bird-watching tour, and my sister and brother-in-law from Calgary are excellent birders - as was my room-mate, Jean. We saw 170 different species. Beautiful !

We ended our vacation in Scarborough, the capital of Tobago, where we visited the King George Fortress high above the city. It was very interesting - including the background for the story of Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe used "specs" from early invaders for his book. There is a so-called Crusoe Cave - but we didn't see it, unfortunately.

A good reason to go back - maybe take in the Carnival next time !

The museum had excellent histories of the islands - the original inhabitants, the invaders, the slavery and indenture system - and ensuing conflicts between European nations !

Some excitement ! As we walked down into the business section and port, a busload of soldiers whizzed by - and at the dock, they were stationed every few feet, guns ready ! The ferry was in, and apparently there had been a bomb scare - they were taking no chances !

Everyone was so friendly - including the soldiers !

It was a great trip !

Linda Tae

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2009/05/07
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal