LENTEN READINGS AND REFLECTION

DAY 1

Reading: Matthew 1:1-8:13

This morning's reading runs from the birth of Christ to his healing of the centurion's servant. Take time to dwell on the striking challenge and the stark beauty of the Sermon on the Mount which begins in Matthew 5 and ends in Matthew 7.

The law of Christ is perfect and perfectly reflects the holiness of God. It also, inevitably, draws us to the foot of the cross as we realize just how imperfect we are. As Paul says in Romans 3:20, “No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin”

One purpose of the law is to keep us from putting any confidence in our own flesh, our own works, so that we might place our full trust in the Person and the Work of Jesus Christ who, as our representative before the Father, perfectly fulfilled the law of God and then died in our place, as our substitute, so that our penalty for violating the law would fall on his head, his body, his soul, rather than ours. Thanks be to God.

So the law is beautiful because it reflects the holiness of God and it is beautiful because it drives us to the cross where we find forgiveness, grace, love, hope, and if we place our trust wholly and fully in Christ, salvation.

Close to the center of the sermon on the mount, Jesus says this: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21)

Let me close this morning by asking, where is your heart? What preoccupies your thoughts? What things stand at the center of your desires?

Is it something in this world?

Jesus gives you a wonderful assurance today. If your heart rests with him, if he occupies your thoughts and stands at the center of your desires then he will be your provider, then you no longer need to spend anxious hours worrying about your life or what you will eat tomorrow or what you will wear, “for pagans run after these things and your father knows you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

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