There are some important aspects of our faith that Lent causes us to consider. This is a time to think about Jesus' last days and the role of the establishment and the disciples in that tragic event. It cause us to think about who we think God is and how we think God interacts with the world.
Sometimes we think of God as an angry God and we approach God with fear. Sometimes it does seem there is reason for God's anger at us and at what we do or fail to do.
Other times we think of God as basically indifferent to the problems we have. God does not punish us but God has given us a sign that God will not harm us. Noah saw it in the rainbow. The idea that the people of Israel came to realize that God would never again send a flood on the people or the land. It didn't mean there would never be a natural disaster. It implied that God would never be the cause of it.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of the Christian faith is the idea that God, not only refrains from punishing us, but is lined up to do what can be done to help us find meaning in life. Traditionally, Christians have held that God sent Jesus to save us from our sin. More important than the idea that Jesus was one, sent by God to save us, is the idea that God is on our side working for our good will.
We move from thinking of God as angry, to thinking of God as indifferent, to thinking of God as compassionate and invested in us.
The season of Lent is our time to see how God cares for us and a time for us to reflect upon the way in which we respond to the hard times in our lives.
Do you believe in the the angry God, or the indifferent God?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of this blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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