Redeemer
Lutheran Church,
Waverly, Iowa

Love Lines

By Pastor Jim 

“You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart” (Psalm 51:6).

       The UPC Bar Code is a marvelous invention. The Universal Product Code was originally created to help grocery stores speed up the checkout process and keep better track of inventory, but the system quickly spread to all other retail products because it was so successful. Nearly any item that we may purchase today has a Bar Code. It is extremely helpful, especially for the merchant. The scanner reads the Bar Code, determines what the product is, and tabulates the cost. 

       The problem is that a bar code from one product can be put on another product. The UPC bar of a cheaper product can be put on a more expensive product. The scanner doesn’t know the difference.

       We have moved into the Lenten season. On Ash Wednesday we were reminded that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Because of our sin, we are a cheapened product. But that doesn’t sit well with us. We count on the hope that “our code” will register us differently.  Never mind that fact that what is on the inside is worthless. When we are finally “scanned” into heaven, we want it to register differently. 

        King David, the author of Psalm 51, had a real comeuppance. He wanted to be seen differently from what he really was.  But God wasn’t fooled. Through the Prophet Nathan, he was brought to repentance. As painful as it was, he needed to reckon with who he really was.  He came to realize a deep truth:  “You (God) desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.” Only God could change the “code.”

       Traditionally, we are given a unique opportunity. The 40 days of Lent call us to a time of reflection and repentance.  We are invited to seriously consider what is on the inside, what is in our hearts. We do not need to spend a lifetime trying to “trick the heavenly scanner.” God collects all of the seemingly worthless products that we might be and redeems us.

       The month of March can seem long.  There will be basketball and wrestling tournaments. Many will try to prove what they are on the inside, that they have what it takes to be a winner.  God invites us to kneel at the cross, to receive a gift of love and forgiveness. Spend some quiet moments this month considering who you are and how you would like to be seen. May anyone who would “scan” us see the love of God within us.