Lent - Ditch the luggage

Just think about it. Don't you think the God of the universe can handle what you have hidden and have been holding onto? It's not as if you're going to surprise him. He already knows every burden you bear, every sin you're struggling with.

The issue here is not whether God can handle what you're carrying. That's been settled. The issue is whether you'll trust him, whether you'll take these things to him and leave them with him. That's what the season of Lent is. That is the invitation set before us today as we begin Lent.

You're invited, over the next 40 days, to take inventory of all that you're carrying. Later this week, as we reflect during midday prayer, as our minds wanders while running all over the place, when you bow your head before bed: Open the contents of the cases you carry. Then say to yourself, "I will not lug this thing anymore. I will lose it. I will abandon it. I will give it to someone who can handle it. I will drop it at the feet of my crucified Lord." Try that. And then feel free to repeat as necessary. Jesus is accepting baggage all year round, not just in the season of Lent.

Oh, and once you've experienced the freedom that comes from walking through life with a little less weight on your shoulders, be sure to spread the word. There's a world around us that would love to know of a place where one's sins and struggles can be deliberately ditched. Take a cue from David, who, after unloading his sins to God the Father, promised this, "I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance."

This season leave some stuff with Jesus. He's cool with it. Take it to the cross. He's already paid for it, and he's waiting to add it to his inventory. You can leave it there, no name on the tag and no questions asked.

And, he promises, you'll never see it again. Amen.