A Reflection for Ash Wednesday

Each year John McCauslin, a member and elder of Central Woodward Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), edits a Lenten Devotional, drawing from the members and friends of the congregation. I'd like to share one of today's reflections -- there is another inside the document -- and invite you to make use of this thoughtful resource in your Lenten Journey. This reflection is written by Elmer Morehouse, an elder and leader and friend. Click here to go to the document. I believe you will be blessed by your time spent here.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
1 Thessalonians 1—5 (all) and Philippians 4:4–7 (Next Page)
1 Thessalonians 1:1-7

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Like Paul, Silvanius and Timothy, we each have not only a legacy of each other in “our church”(we are prone to call it fellowship), but we also have the legacy of the faith of Judaism, the prophets and the many others that carried the message of the “one true God” throughout the centuries. What a legacy these carriers of the message have left to each of us throughout the ages. Christ carried “the message” to us once again. Even though he was the Son of God, he gave his life for us on the cruel cross, the final sacrifice for our sins, that we may have everlasting life. We need to continue as carriers of this message as a missional church. We need to work and pray each day that we become a part of the message, forever …….and forever……Amen.

Prayer: In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Grace to you and Peace. Amen.

Elmer Morehouse