Lenten Devotional, Day 2: Prayer Closet, Own Him, Whole-Body Christianity
Dear Saints,
Scripture readings from the Revised Common Lectionary (explained Day 1): Psalm 51 (again), John 3:1–10, Romans 1:1–7.
Yesterday we considered how a sober sense of mortality is an encouragement to call out for immortality, i.e. eternal life in Jesus. See Genesis 4:29 and remember Enosh means mortal.
I. WILDERNESS:
(Breaking my rule a second time, sorta). Yesterday we read Matthew 6:6: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." Yes, King James Version, but here only because it gives us the basis for what many Christians call the prayer closet. Now Lent is a varied practice across traditions, but its origin 1500 years ago was to echo Jesus's 40-day fast and temptation in the wilderness.
How is the prayer closet a type of wilderness? Good question. To one like King David, who had everything, he still called that prayer closet experience his one thing: "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple (Psalm 27:4). That is the prayer closet experience; his was just more opulent than ours.
But how is that a wilderness? Well in the sense that all the props are kicked out or left behind for Lent. No "two or three" Bible-study or prayer partners; no music, save perhaps a hymnal and your voice; no devotional booklet; no prayer list or prayer formula; and a bit of fasting, even radical perhaps as in no phone or coffee.
If one's personal relationship with Jesus is personal — no problem! Jesus is used to you coming as you are. But if it is not, there can be a bit of awkwardness and squirming sitting in the presence of God, laid bare in soul before Jesus. But take a deep breath and remember His invitation to you: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28–29).
II. ARE YOU ONE WHO COMES BY NIGHT?
Here I'm thinking of Nicodemus. "This man came to Jesus by night" (John 3:2). He didn't want to be known as curious, searching, seeking, perhaps even a closet Christian. What is it the kids say? 'Just own it.' Indeed, own Him, declare Him, confess Jesus! It seems Nicodemus made that transition. See John 19:38–42.
III. COMMUNAL AND PERSONAL CHRISTIANITY!
By using the Revised Common Lectionary there is something cool we personal-relationship-with-Jesus Christians often miss — everybody reading the same Passages, everybody devoting on the same thing. Just think of the blessed comparing of notes that could spur!? (Believe me an overly communal or group sense of Christianity can go wonk. That isn't my point here, however). But to illustrate and maybe prove our Christianity isn't corporate, communal, congregational, whole-body enough, consider the following Scripture: "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). I've heard that promise claimed personally hundreds of times. But that promise is to the whole, struggling, persecuted Philippian Church. I'm not discounting the individual application, but to have never heard it claimed for a particular church...hmm? Christianity 'takes a village' much more than many would admit. Consider: "Let US hold fast the confession of OUR hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let US consider how to stir up ONE ANOTHER to love and good works, not neglecting to meet TOGETHER, as is the habit of some, but encouraging ONE ANOTHER, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23–25).
The Only Best in/is Christ,
tIM
Note: The concept of Lent allows for a certain gristle, chewing, roughage, slow digestion. There may be a tad bit of that today. But know my desire and aim will be devotionals that are at least semi-sweet with easy texture and a clean finish.