https://www.printeryhouse.org/searchresults.asp?q=christ%20pantocrator

“‘Who do you say that I am?’  Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’…’If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” ~ Mark 8:29, 34

To call Jesus the Messiah, is to affirm the belief that Jesus of Nazareth has been particularly anointed by the Living God to bring about our salvation.  This raises a question: What is salvation?  As much as it is enjoyable and, I think, necessary to contemplate things eternal, I need salvation right now.  I need assurance that there is someone bigger than I who knows the score.  I need assurance that there is someone bigger than I who’s got my back.  I need assurance that there is someone bigger than I who’s caring for and protecting my children, my partner/spouse, myself in ways far more merciful and gracious than what I can muster.

In Jesus, God promises all that and more.  He promises steadfast love and strength.  He promises a way of life that leads to peace of mind, heart, and relationships.  Not just in the eternal age.  But now.  Imperfectly, but present.

Am I willing to believe that this can be true?

Am I willing to believe that in Christ, God is actively caring for and protecting me and my loved ones in ways that are for our good even if they are on his terms?

Am I willing to believe his words are good and helpful even if in following them it costs me my self-image? my ‘me-time’? my life?

If I am to obey his words which call me to ‘deny myself,’ to put myself last so others can be first, to become servant to others, I need the assurance that his strength is sufficient.  Because, without someone greater than I feeding my soul, this program will quickly lead to burnout and catastrophic failure!

Let my prayer this Lent be that of the father of the epileptic son: “I believe; help thou my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24.)