If it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Romans 12:8-10
Tonya, age eight, came to tutoring with a “D” on her test about Abraham Lincoln. I was crushed. I love Lincoln and wanted her to love my hero, too. Her teacher let her write a report to make up for the grade. As we began studying, I saw how easy I’d had it in learning about Lincoln. While Tonya’s family didn’t have a car, mine had taken us on a trip to see Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. I grew up in a state where Lincoln was loved and admired, especially for his presidency during the Civil War. Tonya lives in a state where many blame Lincoln for the war. In school, we even celebrated Lincoln’s birthday—today—with a holiday.
Tonya listed the highlights of Lincoln’s presidency: freeing the slaves, giving the Gettysburg address, winning the Civil War. She was excited to learn that a group of African-Americans gave Lincoln a Bible in 1864. She liked to picture herself with them, meeting the president in the White House. She quoted his response: “In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to men. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book.”
Heroes inspire us to live purposefully and to see God’s hand in our world. During Lent, we reflect on Jesus Christ who gives us eternal life and the power to live heroic lives.
Prayer: For leaders who are just and righteous, we thank You, God, through Jesus Christ Your precious Son. Amen.
Response: Read the Gettysburg Address.
(Devotions from "Cross of Ashes" by Christine Weerts, a Lenten devotional provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries. Copyright 2005, Int'l LLL. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend.)
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 14-15 Matthew 26:36-75
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