Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. Heb. 13:9-10
Dear Lord Jesus, throughout this season of Lent, you’ve heightened my gladness about several things. I’ve never been more grateful for the family you’ve given me. We’re a broken but beloved bunch—each of us is on the path of groaning and growing in grace.
And I praise you for a handful of beloved friends, a “gospel posse” with whom to share longings and laughter, and the bleakness and bounty of life. We finally know how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, and not just provoke one another. And I praise you for being so gracious in this season of vocational transition. I never dreamed I’d plant and pastor the same church for 26 years. As this chapter closes, I’m expectant and thrilled about new kingdom adventures.
But way above all those grace-gifts, I’m thankful for the way you continue to show me more of yourself, for you are the author and perfecter of my faith; the sum and substance of my salvation; healer and hope of my heart. I can afford to be flexible about many different theological issues, but I can ill afford to be wrong about you.
Over the past four decades, you’ve been faithful to rescue me from all kinds of “diverse and strange teachings”—especially from gospels which are no gospel at all (Gal. 1:6-9). You’ve rescued me from gospel-distortions such as grace-less legalism and obedience-less grace; from an Americanized politicized gospel and a sappy sentimental gospel; from teaching which privatizes knowing you and teaching which compartmentalizes serving you; from a gospel which disregards the poor and a gospel which empowers the rich. You have been so gracious, patient and kind with me…
Lord Jesus, well beyond this current season of Lent, continue to astonish my heart with your glory and nourish it with your grace. Continue to feed me from the altar in the tabernacle of the gospel. Smite, satisfy and strengthen my heart with all that you are. Though I know you only in part, you know me perfectly, and that is enough—more than enough. So very Amen I pray, in your peerless and powerful name. Amen.