[The inspiration for these reflections are adapted from PAUSES FOR LENT: 40 Words for 40 Days, Copyright © 2015 by Rev. Trevor Hudson by Upper Room Books Nashville. Both the selected Scripture and theme and initial paragraph in quotes are from Hudson.]
“Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
“Lent asks us to examine our choices. In almost every moment of our lives—in our thoughts, our imaginations, our actions, and even our inactions—we make choices that lead either toward life or death. Choosing life involves awareness of those tendencies within us that sabotage our lives and of those that nourish them.” (Hudson)
This week I had dinner with my daughter. It’s a weekly Monday night routine. We got on a conversation about choices and for some reason, I began to share stories about some of the adventures I had in high school that were a little bit crazy. They weren’t terrible things, but certainly note worthy stories which I won’t share here! But it got me thinking about choices I made in high school that influenced my life today. Thankfully, I gave my life to Jesus and he began to reshape my life.
Today in this season of Lent, we are discussing what it means to choose. Rev. Trevor Hudson in this chapter comments on this topic as we reflect upon our choices. Hudson says in every decision we make, we ”make choices that lead either toward life or death.’
Isn’t this the story of the Israelites and really humanity in general? In Deuteronomy 30, Moses is speaking to the people about choices. He is near his death and will not be entering the Promised Land. Although the Lord allowed him to lead the people to the precipice, Joshua will be taking up the mantel and taking the people into the land flowing with milk and honey. Moses’ choices restricted him from taking one step into the land of promise.
In the same way, our choices determine our lives. If I chose evil, evil will flow from my actions. If I choose goodness and faithfulness, then God will subsequently blessed my life and those around me. Choices are not only physical actions but also emotional and mental exercises which have spiritual blessings or curses.
Although we all fall short of God’s glory, our sin can be eradicated and we can be redeemed. We can live in fullness of life with Christ and walk abundantly according to his promise.
What choices will you make today? How will you honor God in word and deed for the glory of Christ and for God the Father?
“O Lord God, you are good. I find myself wanting to do good. I want to be holy, to walk upright in all my ways. However, I know that I am suspectable to sin. I am in this body of flesh which cries out for all kinds of needs and demands. But you are good. You are pure and holy. I thank you Lord for loving me and allowing me to be the person you have called and created me to be. For you are good and love your love endures forever.” Amen