“In like a lion, out like a lamb.” I heard this adage as a child and visualized the clouds as lions that turned into lambs as March progressed.
But, I wonder how this adage might be used to describe faith and the story of Jesus, and maybe the story of ourselves and our faith journeys.
I can think of a few characters from our scripture that could fall under this category. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, for one. He always seems to be coming in hot, swinging wildly at enemies and friends alike. His transformation in the Gospels is one of my favorites. Jesus takes him from being a hothead to learning what it means to lead gently.
The Apostle Paul is kind of like this too. He persecuted Christians, using his power as a religious leader to harm others. Yet his conversion experience reveals him to be a tender-hearted leader.
Jesus, in some ways, is the opposite. He goes like a lamb to die, silently taking a punishment he didn’t deserve or earn. He bears his fate willingly, even gently. And yet, on Easter, the stone is removed from the tomb and Jesus comes forth like a lion, roaring out the truth that death and evil have been defeated.
I wonder how our faiths might call for us to model this imagery as well. Maybe we can learn to lead gently, by caring for one another’s needs ahead of our desires. Maybe we can learn to model gentleness in our relationships and kindness in our witness to God’s love
And maybe we can be like lions, roaring forth the proclamation of God’s love boldly. Maybe we can learn to proclaim boldly the power of God’s forgiveness and how it’s transformed our own lives.
Maybe, too, we can model both in our lives. Perhaps we can learn to lead and love others in a way that is gentle and yet firm, meekly and yet boldly. What would it mean for us and for our faiths to practice boldly while loving gently? What does that look like? Can we walk together to figure this out? I’d love to hear what ideas you have!
As we enter March, we continue our Lenten journey toward Holy Week and Easter. God's love transforms us through the death and resurrection of Christ, and so I encourage you to participate in our Lenten worship on Wednesday evenings where we are discussing Remembering Our Baptism. Our major focus points for the March weeks are:
- Proclaiming the good news of God in Christ through word and deed;
- Serving all people following the example of Jesus; and
- Striving for justice and peace in all the earth.
We will be making "witnessing" bracelets andor keychains; putting together care packages for Tim Swang's unit and decorating placemats for the Long Term Care resident's tray tables in their rooms; and making peace doves and cranes to hang in our sanctuary windows. In light of that, we are putting out a special request to the congregation: the cost to ship the boxes to Tim Swang will be around $25 each. We are sending 25 boxes, one for each person in his unit. This cost will be large, roughly $625, but we are hopeful that we will be able to raise the funds from the congregation. This is an important Lenten practice for us, as it follows the reminder that we serve God by serving others. We want Tim and his unit to feel loved and supported as they are sacrificing so much. Please prayerfully consider helping offset the cost of this project!
Thank you for the ways that you love and care for others in our congregation, community, and world. We are church and we are church for the sake of the world! May your March be blessed. Know that your pastor loves and cares for you, holds you in prayer, and is available for your needs.
In Christ's peace,
Pastor Katie
Pastor Katie’s New Office Hours:
(Also available by appointment)
Monday – 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday – 2:00 p.m. – 5::00 p.m.
Friday – Day Off
Saturday - 10:00 - 2:00
(Also available by appointment)
Monday – 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday – 2:00 p.m. – 5::00 p.m.
Friday – Day Off
Saturday - 10:00 - 2:00