"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Thursday, February 29, 2024 - Day 60 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Numbers 26,27; Mark 8:22-38)
THE DESTINATION OF LENT
And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:32-34 ESV)
The purpose of Lent is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - His suffering and His sacrifice, His life, death, burial and resurrection.
The Gospel lesson assigned for today in our through-the-Bible-in-a-year helps to focus on the destination of Lent. Jesus, referring to Himself as the “Son of Man,” clearly proclaims what will be happening to Him in Jerusalem.
“... The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
This is the destination of our annual Lent journey.
Jesus, I will ponder now
On Your holy Passion;
With Your Spirit me endow
For such meditation.
Grant that I in love and faith
May the image cherish
Of Your suff'ring, pain, and death
That I may not perish.
(Jesus I Will Ponder Now, Lutheran Service Book #440, stanza 1)
Lord, may the season of Lent be a blessing to me. Grant me a penitent and thankful heart as I journey to Mt. Calvary and the resurrection tomb. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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