Remember
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The
one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and
said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. – Matthew 26:48-49
Today is both Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day.
Fitting, don’t you think? The first is a day of repentance and sorrow and the
second is a day to indulge in chocolate and flowers and perfume.
We get caught up in the commercial trappings, don’t
we? It’s nice. Why not share a fancy dinner with someone you love? What’s wrong
with a little indulgence to celebrate a relationship you cherish?
It’s all so wonderful – until it isn’t. Betrayal
carries a high cost and becomes a burden that weighs us down, reminding us that
the deadliest wounds come from those closest to our hearts.
Some churches conduct an Ash Wednesday service,
placing ashes in the form of a cross on those who slowly make their way to the
alter. A reminder of our sins, our sorrow and our repentance.
We struggle during the Lenten season, determined to
make a sacrifice for Jesus. We give up candy or soda. We make vows and turn off
Facebook or television. We remind ourselves daily – well, except for Sundays –
of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
But do we really get it? Really? Deep inside where our
hearts at times feel broken by human betrayal, do we really understand what God
did for us? Can we comprehend a love that deep? Do we really grasp the
sacrifice of Jesus’ death for the sins you and I have committed?
We are so filled with self-interest. We do good so we
will be praised by the multitudes. We sacrifice so that others might see how
good we are. We shout loudly all our great attributes.
And we depend totally on ourselves. We work hard. We
pave our own way forward. We do all we can as though it depends on us. In our
minds, it does. God is for emergencies and miracles. Not to worry. We’ve got
the rest.
Except He has called us to a life of daily sacrifice.
He draws us toward a life directed by Him, for His glory and not our own. It’s
not about us. It’s never been about us. And no matter how hard we try or how
loudly we proclaim our goodness, we will never get past the sin and anguish of
brokenness deep within.
As you go through this season leading to the cross,
remember the cost. Look in the mirror and see your guilt. Close your eyes and
feel the sting of betrayal, your betrayal of Jesus Christ. Feel the nails as
they penetrate His skin. Swelter under the sun’s heat. Hear the insults that
draped a man who was never anything but good.
On this day, remember what you have done for a kiss
and 30 silver coins. Kneel down in genuine repentance. Rise. Feel the grace and
mercy and love as it engulfs you. Go, and sin no more.
