Second Sunday in Lent

Wandering through the Wilderness: Embracing the Path You’re On

How is your walk through the wilderness going? Join me as we continue our journey. Let’s embark on a journey into the wilderness, guided by our sense of curiosity and wonder.

As we venture deeper into the untamed wilderness, we are certain to encounter a numerous challenges and obstacles. No doubt, we will face fierce storms, treacherous terrain, and menacing creatures lurking in the shadows. Despite the dangers that surround us, let us remain undeterred, determined to press on in pursuit of adventure and discovery.

In our travels, we stumble upon a quaint village nestled amidst the wilderness. The villagers welcomed us with open arms, offering food, shelter, and companionship. Grateful for their hospitality, we decide to lend a helping hand, assisting the villagers with their daily tasks and chores.

As we immerse ourselves in the rhythm of village life, we find ourselves drawn to a group of children who spent their days playing by the riverbank. With each passing day, we grow fond of the children, delighting in their laughter and innocence.

However, we soon learned that the village was plagued by a looming threat—a powerful enemywho sought to claim dominion over the land. Determined to protect the villagers and their way of life, we make a bold decision. We vow to confront the attackers and put an end to his tyranny once and for all.

To deny ourselves the comforts of the village and embark on a perilous quest meant risking our safety and security. Yet, we knew that our actions are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the villagers and their well-being. In denying ourselves the safety of the village, we affirm our loyalty to those in need.

As we journey deeper into the heart of the wilderness, we encounter more enemies. Despite their formidable strength and love of material things, we remain steadfast in our resolve, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.

In our quest to defeat this evil, we faced countless trials and tribulations. We endured hardship, loss, and sacrifice, yet wee never wavered in our determination to see our mission through to the end.

In the end, it was not brute strength or magical prowess that enabled us to emerge victorious. It was our willingness to lose ourselves in service to others, to sacrifice our own safety and comfort for the greater good. By losing ourrself in the pursuit of justice and righteousness, we saved not only the villagers but also ourself.

We realize the true meaning of our journey. In forsaking the pursuit of wealth, power, and glory, we have discovered the greatest treasure of all—the gift of selflessness and compassion.

For in wandering through the wilderness, we learn that to deny oneself is to affirm one's truest values, to lose oneself is to save others, and to profit is to forfeit the fleeting treasures of this world for the eternal riches of the human heart.

Today, we gather to reflect upon Christ's Great Paradox, as described in Mark 8:34–36. These verses reveal profound truths that challenge our conventional wisdom and beckon us to a deeper understanding of discipleship. Moreover, they resonate with the theme of wandering in the wilderness, as we navigate the trials and tribulations of life.

To Deny Is to Affirm:

Mark 8:34 “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

When Christ instructs us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, He is inviting us into a paradoxical reality. In denying ourselves, we affirm our commitment to Christ. This act of self-denial is not a rejection of our identity or desires but a recognition that true fulfillment is found in aligning our will with God's.

To Lose Is to Save:

Mark 8:35 “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

In the world's eyes, the pursuit of self-preservation and worldly gain reign supreme. However, Christ reveals that true salvation comes not from hoarding our lives but from surrendering them for His sake. By losing ourselves in service to Christ and His Kingdom, we discover the abundant life He promises.

III. To Profit Is to Forfeit:

Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

The allure of worldly success and material wealth can lead us astray, tempting us to compromise our values and integrity. Yet, Christ warns us that gaining the whole world at the expense of our soul is the ultimate forfeiture. True profit lies not in temporal riches but in the eternal inheritance secured through faithfulness to God.

As we meditate on these paradoxes, let us consider their relevance to our journey through the wilderness of life. Just as the Israelites wandered in the desert, facing trials and uncertainties, so too do we encounter challenges that test our faith and resolve. Yet, it is in the wilderness that we often experience the profoundest revelations of God's grace and provision.

Consider the story shared by Larry Burkett, where a businessman's integrity outweighed the pursuit of profit.

Larry Burkett writes:

[An] antique dealer [named] Roy bought what he thought might be Jefferson’s desk, which disappeared during the Civil War. But concluding it was simply a good reproduction, he included it in his auction. On auction day, a woman came in, loved the desk, and promised to pick it up and pay next day.

Before the auction, bidder Tom examined the desk. “Did you get a good price for that desk you have a hold on, Roy?”

“Just what I had in it—at least I will tomorrow.”

“I’ll give you twice what you paid right now!”

“You’re crazy, Tom. That’s not an original, just a good copy.”

“No, Roy. Only the insides of the drawers have been replaced. The chestnut is 18th century; the craftsmanship is definitely original.”

When the woman arrived next morning, Roy explained what he’d learned. “Then you won’t sell it?” the woman asked dejectedly.

“Yes, I will,” Roy replied. “I gave my word.”

But after weighing the responsibility of owning a Jefferson desk, she told Roy she’d settle for a good reproduction. Roy sold the desk to a museum. He presented the woman with a beautiful reproduction—plus a check for $100,000. He realized his integrity was worth more than a short-term profit.

Citation: Larry Burkett, The Christian Businessman (1-2-99)

Like him, we are called to uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and righteousness, even when it may seem disadvantageous in the short term. For it is in maintaining our integrity that we bear witness to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

In conclusion, let us embrace Christ's Great Paradox as a guiding principle in our journey through the wilderness. May we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him with unwavering devotion. And may our lives be a testimony to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, even in the midst of life's trials and tribulations.

We are called wander through the wilderness, to take this wonderous journey of deep commitment, marked by self-denial, a reoriented value system, and the courage to stand for Christ. Let’s take this opportunity for personal commitment or recomitment to walk this path with Jesus, especially during the reflective season of Lent. Let us seek God’s strength and guidance to live out these truths in our lives, embodying the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

Call to Worship (based on Mark 8:31-38)

Leader: Jesus shared with His disciples the path He must walk: one of suffering, rejection, and resurrection.

People: We are called to follow, not shying away from the challenges, but embracing His way of sacrifice.

Leader: When we are tempted to choose ease over faithfulness, may we hear Christ’s call to set our minds on divine, not human concerns.

People: We seek to follow Jesus, denying our own desires, carrying our burdens with grace, and walking in His footsteps.

Leader: For in losing ourselves for His sake, we discover true life, life abundant and eternal.

People: What do we gain from the world’s riches if we lose the essence of our being, the soul fashioned by God?

Leader: Let us not be counted among those who shrink back, but among those who stand firm in faith, looking forward to His return in glory.

All: Gathered in His name, we deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and worship the One who calls us to the life that truly is life.

Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 22:23-31)

Heavenly Father, Lord of all creation, we come before You on this second Sunday in Lent, our hearts joined in worship and adoration. In the spirit of the Psalmist, we proclaim Your name to our brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation, we praise You.

Lord, You have not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; You have not hidden Your face from us, but when we cried to You for help, You heard. Your faithfulness extends to every corner of the earth, calling all who fear You to worship and stand in awe.

From the greatest to the least, from the ends of the earth to the heart of our community, Your righteousness is proclaimed to a people yet unborn, declaring that You have done it. You, O Lord, who bring kings to their knees and feed the hungry, who remember the poor and the suffering, who give us a reason to sing even in our darkest hour, guide us to live in a way that Your justice and love are known by all.

As we journey through this season of reflection and repentance, remind us of Your enduring mercy and steadfast love. Help us to trust in Your promises, to proclaim Your deliverance and salvation, not keeping it to ourselves but sharing it with the world You came to save.

We pray for those among us who feel forsaken, who cry out in distress. May they feel Your presence near, may they see Your light in their darkness. Use us, Lord, to be bearers of Your comfort and peace, to share the hope that comes from knowing You.

Strengthen us in this worship service to glorify You with all our hearts, souls, and minds. May our praises echo the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and may our lives reflect Your glory to a future generation.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.