As we progress through Lent, the tone of the scripture sharpens. It is a "wake-up call" for the soul. Today, we examine our lives ...
As we progress through Lent, the tone of the scripture sharpens. It is a "wake-up call" for the soul. Today, we examine our lives through three words: Discipline, Division, and Digit.
We start with the tragedy of missing Discipline. Jeremiah laments that the people "walked in the hardness of their evil hearts" and "walked backward, not forward." This is a powerful image of spiritual regression. When we refuse God’s discipline—His guidance, His corrections, His calls to change—we don't just stand still; we drift backward. Lent is our "spiritual boot camp," a time to accept the discipline that realigns our steps so we can walk forward in the light. Are we listening to His voice today, or has our heart become stiff and "un-teachable"?
This leads to the reality of Division. In the Gospel, Jesus is accused of working for Beelzebul. He responds with a logical truth: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste." This isn't just about politics or nations; it’s about the human heart. We often live divided lives—one foot in the Gospel and one foot in the world. We want God's blessing, but we also want our own way. Jesus warns us that we cannot be neutral: "Whoever is not with me is against me." A divided heart is a weak heart. Today is a day to pick a side, to unify our intentions, and to gather with the Lord rather than scattering our lives in a thousand different directions.
Finally, we see the power of the Digit—specifically, the "finger of God." Jesus says, "If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." Think about that imagery. To drive out the "strong man" of evil, God doesn't need to exert His whole strength; He only needs His "finger." This should give us immense hope. No matter how strong our addictions, our fears, or our divisions may seem, they are nothing compared to the "digit" of God’s power. If we let Him in, He can flick away the darkness with a single touch. Let us invite the finger of God to touch our hearts today.
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