Passionate Pursuits

Our recently turned two year old granddaughter is learning her colors.  When she sees objects she can readily tell you if they are red, yellow, blue, orange, or purple.  But when something is pink, the volume and excitement go up a few notches as Ryen excitedly says, “Pink!”  She is also quite fond of Minnie Mouse.  So a few weeks ago I was pleased to find a Minnie Mouse plate, bowl, cup and silverware set that were pink for Ryen to use when she visits.   She was thrilled to see and use the new dishes the first time, but we were caught off guard at the dilemma that ensued.  Ryen was so excited about seeing Minnie that she did not want to get her dirty or have any food cover up her image.  So, for this time, the food was strategically placed on the plate and in the bowl so that Minnie Mouse was clean and in full view.

With this being Holy Week, our attention has been drawn to Jesus as we remember and reflect on his triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper with his disciples on Maundy Thursday, the trials, and crucifixion on Good Friday.  And now we look forward, in anticipation, to celebrating and giving thanks as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday.  Because of Jesus’ willingness to be the sacrifice for my sins, and my belief in and acceptance of that gift, I am a child of God, and have the assurance of a relationship with him both now and for eternity.

Ryen will soon learn that it is OK for Minnie Mouse to be covered with food.  The dishes will be washed and cleaned and be ready to use again.  But I hope I take to heart her lesson of not ever wanting to do anything to cover up Jesus in my life or doing something that would dirty his name or image.  This week we have been intentional about making Jesus the focus of God’s love for us.  May that be a priority in the days, weeks, and months ahead as well.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:1-4

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:9-13

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33