Don't Lose Heart, Reflection on Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

The Lord God gave Isaiah a job--to bring the people home from exile. And the Lord God gave him tools--a tongue of a teacher and an ear to listen. Isaiah's job turned out to be a hard one. He was a prophet long enough to have learned disappointment and long enough not to give up. 

The reading from Hebrews also expresses perseverance. The task is not easy, but we have an example in Jesus. He endured pain, ignored shame, and now sits at the right hand of God.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that wa set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. consider him who endured such hostility aainst himself from sinners, so that you may not grow wear or lose heart.

Here we are in Lent, that time set aside on the Christian calendar for reflection and repentance. Today, we read about the last meal that Jesus shared with his closest disciples before his crucifixion. His people, sharing a table, eating together. And one will betray him.

Jesus knows about the upcoming betrayal and knows the identity of the one who is to betray him. The others don't seem to have a clue. Jesus knows and he allows the betrayal to take place.  Even with difficulties, God's work is to be done, God is to be made visible to the world.