Jesus, friend of sinners
Lent can be long. Lent can be tough. Sometimes, Lent can get away from us.
I know mine has. A combination of work, kids’ schedules, and preparations for an upcoming trip seemingly have taken me out of not only my Lenten practices, but my daily devotional rhythm as well. I say seemingly because I know those are mere excuses. My daily prayer guide is sitting right here on my desk. It is not that I couldn’t have picked it up, I just stopped. “My Lord’s name I have not honored as I should; my worship and prayers have faltered,” hits close to home.
And maybe this confession hits close to home in your ears, too. What is one to do?
Luckily, as those who had rejected Jesus had said, He is the friend of sinners (Luke 7:34). And ultimately, this friendship is what drives Him to the cross:
As a friend of tax collectors and sinners, Jesus will suffer death by crucifixion at the hands of the religious establishment.
Rev. Dr. Arthur A. Just Jr. - Concordia Commentary Luke 1:1–9:50
Whether we succeed or fail, our Lenten journey is not contingent on us. It is contingent on the Friend of sinners. And this Friend has done it all on Calvary and in the empty tomb for you and for me. Let us then turn our gaze these last few weeks and keep our eyes fixed on Him. Let us brush off whatever it is that has kept us from honoring our Lord’s name, put a stumbling block in our worship and prayers, and press toward Jesus so that our lives orbit Him. A blessed last few weeks of your Lent, friends.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
The LCMS Northern Illinois District is shining a spotlight on service from April 12-21, 2024. Throughout the district, groups of 2 or more people are asked to give witness to the love of Jesus through acts of service to their neighbors and communities. Simply join with some people from your church, school, small group, ministry group, family, etc., and serve together in a project of your own choosing.
And, imagine seeing our our people in specially designed t-shirts all throughout the District during the SHINE! event serving and SHINING His light!
How is God calling you to serve your neighbors and SHINE His light?
SHINE! Tool Kit – Download these resources for SHINE!
40 Ways to SHINE! (Ideas for acts of service.)
SHINE! slide for churches and schools
Download SHINE! logo no dates (PNG format)
SHINE! Bible Study
As we make ready our NID SHINE! Servant Event, April 12 – 21, 2024, we turn to our Lord’s Word for guidance, equipping, and blessing. The SHINE! Bible study is commended for your use as an individual, small group, or congregational study for the weeks surrounding the SHINE! event. Visit the Bible study webpage at nidlcms.org/shine-bible-study.
Share your photos!
Upload your SHINE! photos at this secure link: CLICK HERE FOR LINK. Make certain you have the appropriate permissions so that we may share them on social media and in publications
Frequently Asked Questions
When is SHINE! taking place?
SHINE! takes place April 12-21, 2024. Decide how much time your project will take and pick a day to serve.
Who can participate in SHINE!?
There is no age requirement. Everyone from toddlers to seniors is welcome to participate.
How many people need to be in a group to participate?
A group can be as small as two people and as large as the group wants to be.
What kinds of servant projects are allowed?
There are so many ways that your group can serve right in your own community! Possible projects include: cleaning, carpentry, quilting, cooking, packing, weeding, collecting donations, yardwork, writing cards. Think of unique opportunities to serve in a way that’s tailored to your gifts, your community, and your congregational needs.