Beyond giving me a great laugh, this video hits on another important Lent theme: Forgivness.

How much of what God desires to pour into lives can be derailed due to a lack of forgiveness in our not-ready-to-receive hearts?  Jesus says fairly bluntly (Mt. 18:35) that my failure to extend forgiveness can shut the door on my receiving it.  One might consider this as both a word of threat (ie: God is saying, “I will withhold it from you”) and a word of truth (ie: God is saying, “If your heart is wrapped in unforgiveness, you will simply be incapable of receiving Mine”).

Either way, the soul-searching of the Lent season can lead one into uncovering hurts, grudges, and bitterness that have been silently holding us captive.

If you discover any of that in your own heart, I know at least one pastor who would advise that you need more F-word in the vocabulary of your life.

The video below is a compilation of sketches credited to a British artist named Simon Smith.  They chronicle the span of Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness.  Despite their “cartoony” appearance, they certainly provide some unique fodder for re-considering our Lord’s time of intense seeking and testing.

With those themes woven through the season of Lent, here you go…

Late have I loved you…

A phrase made famous by Augustine as he expressed his regret at his own slowness in responding to the God who had always been seeking and tracking him.

It’s also the title of this fantastic song by Michael Gungor.  A great Lent meditation for this fellow.  Lyrics are below.

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