The Fourth Sunday in Lent
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:18-22)
Additional Daily Bible Readings: Exodus 1; Psalm 66; Romans 1:18–32
Weekly Reading: http://bit.ly/2kQhhvX
Paul is speaking here about the corrupt, sinful, idolatrous behavior of Romans in the heyday of the empire, but he could be speaking of life in the 21st century in North America! We live in a wicked, evil time when even some Christians are trying to “suppress the truth.” Paul affirms that ever since the creation of the world, God’s nature, power and deity have been clear and easily perceived, yet people have not honored him, becoming foolish, their senseless minds darkened.
How else would we explain our world today? The Scriptures are clear, are they not? God’s will is easily understood. We are to have no other gods. We are to honor God’s name. We are to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. We are to honor father and mother, not bear false witness, not steal, not murder, not covet. We are to live chastely and keep the marriage bed undefiled. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Yet, people will not honor God or obey him. We live in a time when there is disobedience, disorder and, yes, foolishness! What is the solution to the current madness?
Repentance and returning to God, the Creator and Redeemer of all. Humbling ourselves before God, confessing our sins before God, then asking him to renew his creation, his people and his world. There is no other hope for the world today. First, we repent and confess our sins before God. Next, we are to call the disobedient to repent as well!
Do we dare speak out boldly to Christians who have lost their way and departed from the truth? Do we dare speak out boldly to those in our culture and society who claim great, educated, sophisticated understanding, even though they believe contrary to God’s Word? Scripture tells us that many have exchanged “truth about God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). It is for us to call all to repent and return to God.
Prayer: Lord God, we honor you and give you thanks for your created order. Make us bold to call for repentance and return. Amen.
Lenten Response: Confess your sins, today, with the gathering of believers in Sunday worship. Receive the hope and promise of forgiveness.
Video Devotional: From Ashes to Easter
Today’s devotion was written by the Rev. Dr. David Wendel, Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry and Ecumenism.