The Thursday in the 2nd Week of Lent
March 9, 2023
Luke 16: 19-31
Take a moment to visualize a rose. What image comes to your mind, possibly a beautiful flower of a certain color or a magnificent garden? Luke 16:31 questions the repentant heart of someone who had not believed in Christ. Do you know someone who is an unbeliever? Has circumstances in your own life ever shaken your faith? Even the strongest Christian has encountered real-life circumstances that could cause instability. The hope of Christ still exists even through the storms of life. The scripture examines a rich man who lacked faith in Moses and the prophets, casting doubt on his ability to believe that Jesus rose from the dead. In the latter scenario, rose becomes an action verb rather than a noun.
Jesus being sent by God to humbly take on life as a human was the greatest act of love. Matthew 1:21 says “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Every spring, around the time of Lent, rose bushes are pruned to bring forth a spectacular spring and summer garden. As one prepares to prune this year, see the actions of your efforts and pain that often comes with throne pricks differently. It is a gift to see the manifestation of these flower blooms during the warm weather months; a way for God’s light to shine. Planters exercise their faith when they take preparatory steps in order to later reap a bountiful harvest. The sweat and labor are reminders of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins and the miracle of his resurrection.
In Luke 16, Lazurus is rewarded upon death, though he suffered greatly in life. In contrast, the rich man who lacked faith in God, but lived unapologetically as he chose, paid the price in death. Today, Christ extends the repentance rose to each of us to choose to be among others in the kingdom of God. We have a right to choose our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you God, for extending your grace and mercy so that we can repent of our sins and be forgiven. May peace that can be found in a garden remind us of God’s redeeming love. Amen.
Ashla Hill Roseboro