Meditations for the Lenten Journey

During Lent, members of FPC-A Congregation have the opportunity to write devotions

sharing important moments from their faith formation. If you wish to opt

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John 15:16 "You did not choose me but I chose you . . . ."

 

My pastor asked me only one short question, but those few words have profoundly shaped my faith for 7 decades. It was Palm Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1962. I was 12 years, sitting in the choir pews, contemplating my relationship with Jesus. It was the last session of our Confirmation Class. For weeks we had studied the scriptures, learned about the history of God's people and the workings of the Presbyterian Church. We seriously listened to the pastor's Lenten sermons and turned in outlines. Together we sought to discern, just who was this man named Jesus, and what might he have to do with us.

 

As the culmination of our class, the pastor led us to the large choir area of our sanctuary. He invited us to spread out, sit down, close our eyes, and pray. It was very emotional. It was my hour of decision. Was I prepared to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior? Would I commit my life to Jesus? One by one members of our class stood up and individually walked over and conversed with the pastor. I do not know if he offered the same words to each classmate, but to me he asked one simple question, "Steve, has He accepted you?"

 

In a flash my faith orientation turned 180 degrees. I had felt the pressure and weight of getting it right. Do I accept Him? Do I believe? Do I understand? Will I commit? Will I follow? What if I fail? But the pastor turned it around. "Steve, has He accepted you?" The words were like a breath of life, a release. The strivings and worry of getting things right with God lifted. I realized that Jesus had and still has the tough part, putting up with me. That day, I discovered a new friend, a genuine friend, who accepts me. His name is Jesus.

 

Steve Aschmann

March 20, 2023