The days before Easter – focused traversing! In many lands, it is a journey through final winter months of cold weather to milder days. Robins and bunnies hop to begin the congruent dance of Spring.

Wherever we live, the journey includes some wonderful traditions captured in a 40-day period called, Lent.

Encouraged to sacrifice during these days – possibly fast and pray, but there is often talk of what one is considering sacrificing during Lent.

What do we sacrifice, or some say, “give up for Lent?” Our model is Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul tours us through Jesus’ journey of sacrificing…Jesus lived and walked among those who were broken, sick, demonized and shamed. We might call that sacrificing his own reputation to be with them, eat with them. Jesus humbled himself and became a servant. We might call that sacrificing his own ability to easily wield power, influence and lift up; save the people. He sacrificed self to heal the aching hearts of humanity. Or, was he sharing himself?

Here we may see the Brilliance of his model…

Sacrifice and sharing – simultaneous or synonymous – both!

A sacrifice, a sharing of all he had to offer!

In these 40 days, as we choose to sacrifice, may we go even deeper and see if our sacrifice is a sharing with others all that we have to offer – Jesus!

May the winter rains cleanse us, dear Friends, in these 40 days and transform us. May we sacrifice our reputation to share with those without reputation. Show us how, O please Lord Jesus, for an Easter evermore glorious! Amen.