“Lift Up” – Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ~ John 12:32
For my birthday, I have decided to go on a hot air balloon ride. I am sure that I am not the only one who has or has had this experience on their bucket list. When researching what happens during the ride, I learned that, besides going up and down, you cannot steer a hot air balloon. I also discovered that hot air balloons are held down by a vehicle and ground crew members until the balloon is fully inflated and ready for flight. At the last moment, all the extra weight is removed, and the balloon is lifted!
Similarly, during Lent, our faith requires us to let go of the things that weigh us down and keep us from our best. Lent can be a season filled with “weightlifting” moments. Weights for us can be activities that keep us too busy and away from God. Or sometimes the people we surround ourselves with may deter us from a relationship with God. Often, however, it is our own weaknesses or challenges that are the heaviest and most easily overlooked weight holding us down. I’ll be certain to share my thoughts on the ride when I return.
Join us this fifth Sunday in Lent as we continue examining the stories of Jesus and answer the question: “What is Jesus Up to?”