For we walk by faith, not by sight.

AM Psalm 31 • PM Psalm 35
Jer. 24:1-10 • Rom. 9:19-33 • John 9:1-17

Today’s readings give us a Lenten message that God expects us to follow his rules and live by faith in return for His love. Our readings, the week before Palm Sunday, share a range of examples of living by faith.

King David shares his faith because he was first loved by God and he returned that love. It seems that he is in declining health and spirit/faith. He commits his spirit/faith to redemption. His two psalms for today (31 and 35) are prayers/hymns of gratefulness for or vindication of his faith. In Psalm 31 David recognizes the Lord as his “rock and fortress” to protect and deliver him from calamity and his enemies. In Psalm 35, “Awake my Vindication”, David prays, “Vindicate me, O Lord My God, according to Your Righteousness; And let them not rejoice over me.”

Jeremiah 24:1-10 shares the story of the two baskets of figs. The fig, in the Bible, represents Israel or the Hebrews. Some figs, like people, are good and some bad. The Lord declares for those who do not follow his rules and live by faith, “I will send the sword, the famine and the pestilence among them, till they are consumed from that land that I gave to them and their fathers.” Clearly, the Lord saves those he loves and who love him and live by faith. He penalizes those who do not follow his rules and live by faith.

Paul‘s letter to the Roman Christians shares his view of the patience of God for those he lives by faith. He compares the Gentiles who attained righteousness through faith, while Hebrews did not attain righteousness. “They (Hebrews) did not seek righteousness by faith, but as it were by works of the law. For they stumbled at the stumbling stone.” Paul reinforces the message “whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

John tells us of Jesus restoring the “born blind man’s” sight because of his faith. He compares that the blind man who says that Jesus is a prophet. The Pharisees question Jesus action focusing on their law - “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”

As we think of our discipline of redemption and sacrifice during Lent, we are reminded that our faith is our key.

Written by Walt Eilers

Walt Eilers has faith that soon we will return to indoor church, communion and community.