The first Sunday in the season of Lent begins with the Devil’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.(See Mark 1:9-15) Today’s reading records the first murder as Cain takes his brother’s life. We each face temptation. Possibly we have not been provoked to murder. But there have been times when we have succumbed to destroying our neighbor’s reputation through our conversation using gossip and hearsay as our weapons of choice.
We can innocently acknowledge that we have not taken a person’s life. Yet, by our words we can declare them dead by insulting and destroying their name and character.
In this season of Lent we see that God’s plan of redemptions is not stopped even by an act of murder. The promise of a Savior was carried out by Jesus, a son of hope and promise, who innocently gave His life on the cross in exchange for our sins of wanton murder and wrath.
Cain innocently asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” He didn’t have to ask. He knew the answer before he spoke. We are responsible for our neighbor’s life and reputation. Especially during this season of Lent may we defend especially the helpless among us by “defending them, speaking well of them, putting the best construction on everything,” in every given circumstance. Putting your best foot forward sometimes means to stop what we you were previously doing. We call this repentance. A watchword in Lent. Lord, shape and lead us by repentance and faith.
Abel’s blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as You know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find You mighty to save; through Jesus Christ Your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 1
1. Collect for First Sunday in Lent, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
Image (c) Google Sacred Images
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts (c) WELS for congregational and personal use
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