Lent Day 12 – Lenten Devotion – Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Upcoming Events
Soup Supper
Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:30pm
Devotional Service
Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 7:15pm
Please note, our midweek services again this year are a brief in-person reflective experience.
Be Not Afraid
Dufford
You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die or thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words in foreign lands
And all will understand
You shall see the face of God and live
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest
“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.””
Have you ever been afraid to take a stand? "What if everyone does not stand with me?" "What if I am suddenly left to stand on my own?"
We may fail at times to take a stand when Jesus is counting on us. We may choose to walk on by God's call, and those who do not feel like they matter to anyone when we are afraid others, those who matter to us, are watching us. We may have thoughts, beliefs, dreams, of our own idea of paradise, of what we want to pursue and follow, and yet we lay them aside for all kinds of fears.
Nicodemus in scholarly circles is regarded as being brilliant and insightful. He was inquisitive and thought-provoking. He was respected. A Pharisee in his position could have suggested anything, and the Temple leadership would most likely have listened. Nicodemus thought Jesus was worth talking to, learning from, exploring, reflecting with, listening to. Nicodemus had questions to ask. Nicodemus knew his standing in the Temple, and yet he did not fully know the power of God.
Nicodemus went to Jesus, "by night," while it was still dark, while he was in the dark, when it was safe, so no one would see. Nicodemus knew where he stood, as long as there was no risk; as long as no one who mattered to him was watching. Little did he know, Paradise was present; the One he mattered to, was there to go before him always, to guard him, to give him rest, to be his source of power and renewal, if only he had asked.
Let us pray: Lord, I often feel afraid. I am afraid my faith is not strong enough to take a stand, to stand firm where you ask, to do all you ask me. I come to you in my darkness, and I ask for your light. I long for Paradise. Thank you for the simple renewing power of your faithfulness. In your grace, I am not afraid. I stand firm, trusting you go before me always. Amen.
