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Becoming
February 22, 2024
Esther (Apocrypha) 14:1–6,12–14 | Matthew 7:7-12 | Psalm 138
When I read today’s lessons, I was so excited! I love Esther. She is so inspiring- a Cinderella/Joan of Arc woman. If you ever think “I can’t do this”, read Esther.
Putting my excitement aside, the readings appear disconnected at first glance:
- Esther, a humble Jewish girl, becomes queen of a non-Jewish country. In the midst of political tribulation and persecution of Jewish people, Esther is called on to save her people.
- Jesus reminds us to ask, to seek, and to knock for answers.
- A psalmist introduces us to the music of God: praise and thanksgiving for all God has done.
A closer look reveals all the readings are grounded in prayer. Prayers of repentance, prayers of supplication, and prayers of praise. In all three readings is the underlying message that God provides for his people. There is hope. God is faithful to all of us. God is here to help us in becoming who we were created to be.
- For Esther, that meant becoming queen; being willing to intercede for her people even if it cost her life.
- For Jesus, that meant challenging his disciples daily to reach for more. To not be afraid to ask God questions, and to expect answers (a radical idea in those days).
- For the psalmist, that meant pouring his/her heart out for all the world to see and hear: praising God’s faithfulness and love. For being present in all parts of our lives and raising us up to be stronger.
And then there is us. And Lent. Lent is traditionally a time of reflection; a time of questioning- “Am I on the right path? Am I doing what God has called me to do? Am I becoming who God created me to be? Am I being faithful to Jesus?”
- Esther chose to live her faith quietly until the time God called her to action
- Jesus lived his faith openly, sharing the gifts of healing, teaching, and forgiveness, including his death on a cross
- The psalmist gave music to the words of praise and thanksgiving for God’s provision even though people may not have agreed with him
Lent offers us the opportunity to be quiet, to sit with God’s music, to ask for and receive grace to become stronger; to see, to hear, to intercede, to live our faith as God’s people. For me, I will be reading Esther’s full story again, giving thanks for God’s provision, and seeking/asking “what’s next.”
And through it all I know God is here, loving me, forgiving me, providing for me, raising me up to become who I was created to be.
Thanks be to God!
Cindi Lovejoy
