Tuesday, March 3

Genesis 17:5-7

In these passages from Genesis, God renames both Abram and Sarai, giving them new names that promise a bright future for Israel. Abraham (Father of Nations) and Sarah (Princess) will be the parents of multitudes of peoples, eventually of a descendent named Jesus. God establishes a covenant or contract with Abraham, promising this great nation, and Abraham must fulfill certain terms of the contract. Did I mention that Abraham and Sarah are both nearing 100 years and have no children! Talk about faith! They are embarking on a journey of faith, promising to be true to the covenant, believing that the promise of children will come – and it did.

In Genesis God is doing the planting-planting a new nation of faithful followers, trusting that the seed will grow, believing that Abraham, Sarah, and their descendents will keep the covenant. I believe that God still plants – even today. Ideas, nudges, “seeds of thought” are planted daily in our minds and hearts, if we’ll just listen. “Be still and know that I am God.” Each Lenten season presents a new opportunity to intentionally journey with Jesus in thought, word, and deed. Whose heart will you brighten with your smile today? Whose self confidence will blossom because you really listened to them? Whose life might be saved because you donated blood? Which of the “Seeds of Faith” will germinate in your spirit this Lent? It’s time to start planting!

May your journey with Jesus be a fruitful one. Amen.