As I write this short post, I am on a journey. I don’t mean that metaphorically. Thankfully, I’m not on an “eat, pray, love” type quest for meaning and purpose. In a few hours, I’ll be hopping on a plane for a seven hour trip to Indonesia.

I’ll be meeting up with friends there — ladies I’ve known for the last 40 years. I’ve packed presents for them and their families. I’ve planned several outfits that I’ll wear at the resort. I’ve ensured we have all the basic meds, just in case. And I actually baked a cake to take with me because you never know when there may be a chocolate cake emergency.

But as I embark on my little trip, I think to another journey.

A far more significant journey.

A journey so important that it affected all of humanity, past, present and future.

A journey that involved the Son of God who carried a heavy cross upon His bruised body all the way to Calvary.

He prepared for that journey all His life. In fact, that’s why He came to the earth — His mission was to lay down His life.

Because He knew there was no other way for us to be with Him.

While I’ve packed gifts for my trip, He carried nothing with Him on that journey. And yet, He offered us the very best gift: salvation through His sacrifice.

While I’ve packed color-coordinated outfits, He was stripped down. And yet, He offers us robes of righteousness in exchange for our filthy rags.

While I’ve packed medicines for emergencies, He bore beatings and bruises. And yet, He offers us wholeness and healing when we come to Him in our brokenness.

Friend, as Lent begins this Wednesday, February 18th, could I invite you on a journey?

Can we walk with Jesus as He pushes through the agony to Calvary?

The practice of Lent often involves sacrifice, an emptying, a laying down.

May we open up those suitcases filled with things that are weighing us down. May we experience a nearness to God as we abide in the shadow of the cross.

Begin your 40-day Lent journey with

My devotional on the Bible app/ YouVersion (Click here)

Or

Download the PDF of the Bible plan on your device (Click here)

I look forward to doing this 40-day reading plan with you!

God bless.