Day 10: Let's Go There (Because the Stakes are So High)
February 27
by Michael Lovett
Readings:
Reflection:
Listen to Michael talk through this today after reading the scriptures HERE.
Today we are going to "go there". Yep, we are diving into the hardest part, some of hottest "hot takes" of Christianity... Hot takes on SIN. The unapologetic clarity on right and wrong based on who God is and His Word written in the Bible and personified in Jesus. Nowadays, this very topic is among the most uncomfortable and disconcerting truths about how things work in the universe. This is not for the faint of heart. But, clear is kind, so let's go there.
Ezekiel is making some very serious things clear. If you sin (miss the mark, fail to love, fail to live up to God's expectations of righteousness), then you die. Yes, that is what Ezekiel is preaching to his people.
Is it true that we all die, though? Well... Yes and no. Yes, we all pass through death, but the scriptures are clear. Jesus came, lived as a human, suffered, died, and rose from the dead after predicting he would do so. And Jesus claims that if we surrender our agenda or life now, we inherit eternal life, including life after physical death. Jesus is singular in history for having done what he's done and claiming what he's claimed about himself.
Why? Why did Jesus have to suffer and die? Why leave heaven to become a human for 30-ish years? Precisely because of what Ezekiel is preaching. Continuing in sin leads directly to death. Forever. That's horrifying. Repentance, however, is a ray of hope, and the only appropriate response to the alternative. Repentance requires reflection, taking stock, and calling on all human and spiritual resources to stop living apart from love and righteousness. Repentance is consummate humility, living in the space God has made for us, not shrinking smaller nor overreaching it. Repentance is life. Status quo and doing what comes naturally is death. Forever.
Lent is a six-week opportunity, not a punishment, not a "downer". It's a necessary part of our spiritual growth in wholeness and holiness. Lent is not just about sin and falling short, but rather, it is a time we need to recalibrate and align with God's intentions for our life, and His desire to "blanket earth with Heaven", as author Tyler Staton writes.
Whew, take a breath. That was a lot. Yes, sin is real, and very potent and destructive. Now, let's check in with Jesus during his most extended sermon recorded.
Matthew 5:20-26 Please re-read this passage. Jesus is dead serious here, in the first few lines of his Sermon on the Mount. He is contrasting "so-called" righteousness with the real deal. Religious leaders say __, but I tell you __. He totally dismantles hypocrisy and gets down to the business of exposing our heart condition...to save us. I cannot say this loudly enough: God made every human in his image, fearfully and wonderfully. Yes, even the politicians you can't stand, and the coworker who drives you up a wall. Don't forget, he made you as well. And you and I cannot string together two days without missing the mark (sinning) of love and righteousness. Despite our best efforts, excuse-making, and the story we keep telling ourselves, we need repentance so we might live. Forever. Eternal life (relating freely with the Triune God forever in community), is the reason the Bible is so direct, using powerful adjectives like "detestable," "wicked," and "unjust".
Look again at what Jesus says in Matthew 5. He does his famous "They say __, but I tell you __." thing, and then look at what he does immediately-- He gets VERY practical, saying, essentially, repent:
Own your part. If you have sinned, go to the person you hurt and own it. Now. If you were hurt, forgive. As soon as possible. God is watching, not to strike us down but to support us in bringing and implementing his kingdom come, on earth as in heaven. Relational repair is bringing heaven to earth. I will not accept anything less than victims forgiving and perpetrators actively seeking reconciliation. Anything less is not righteous; it is sin and will result in death.
That was a LOT for a morning devotional. And, this is a worthy devotional in the context of Lenten self-assessment. May God bless you as you shape your life along the lines of these scriptures; they are particularly relevant in 2026, a time of deep national divisions and constant distractions.
Breathe. Pray: "Our Father, in heaven, may your name be recognized as holy. Your Kingdom come, your will be done..."
Song:
O God Forgive Us, For King and Country
Content for wisdom and contentment at: urenuf.life
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