[19] For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19
For five weeks we will stare unblinking at Jesus’ obedience to God the Father. This will not be easy. For five weeks we will witness again Jesus’ path to his passion. All the while, we know what awaits our Lord during Holy Week.
It is ironic that disobedience is one reason we will fixate on Jesus. Our fallen nature tempts us to focus on the disobedience of Adam, the one who caused the malignancy known as sin that infects us all. But in our heart of hearts, we know in doing so we are avoiding the hard truth.
That truth? That we are also disobedient to God. Out of love for us God calls us to obediently live out his commandments. Far too often, we disobey. This disobedience causes tension in our relationship with God. It harms our relationships with one another.
Since we frustratingly continue to disobey God, we will again spend Lent fixated on Jesus. We will see again the staggering price of his obedience. In Jesus’ obedience we again witness the forgiveness of our disobedience. In his obedience we will find motivation to also live lives obedient to God’s will.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS).
Kevin Wilson 360 