Lent began over five weeks ago on Ash Wednesday. Over the course of this week, Christians around the world will re-enact and remember the days leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. This journey towards the cross began on Palm Sunday with a commemoration of Jesus entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people who confessed and praised him as the Savior King later cry out, “…crucify him, crucify him!”
On Monday and Tuesday, Jesus returned to Jerusalem from Bethany and purified the Temple, fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament (ex. Malachi 3:1-5). In Jerusalem, tensions continued to run high between Jesus and the religious rulers. Wednesday of Holy week is traditionally called “Spy Wednesday” because the enemies of Jesus were watching him closely and looking for an opportunity to capture him. On this day, the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany is juxtaposed with the tragic betrayal of Judas.
“The Lord gives us a teachable heart so that we might encourage others (Isaiah 50:4-9a). When we are grieved and discouraged, we turn to God in trust for help (Psalm 31:9-16) knowing that he gave his only son Jesus, who came to earth (Luke 19:28-40) to die for us on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11).” -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
God continually promises to deliver his people and provide for them for his names’ sake (Isaiah 43:16-21). God’s past deliverance provides hope for those who are weeping in the present (Psalm 126). Our confidence is in Christ, and not in our selves, as we continue to press on in faith, participating in Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection (Philippians 3:4-14). In humility, we follow Mary’s example by laying all that we have at Jesus’ feet (John 12:1-8).
“God cares for his people (Joshua 5:9-12) and forgives our sins. We can trust him and his steadfast love – he is our refuge in times of distress (Psalm 32). Through Christ, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) and are heirs to the kingdom of God (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32).” -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
God provides refreshment for the thirsty (Isaiah 55:1-9). Humbly seek God’s presence, remember his blessings and praise his name (Psalm 63:1-8). We learn from those who have gone through the wilderness before us and ask God to help us endure our own times of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). God is gracious, but the consequences of refusing to repent stand as a warning for all (Luke 13:1-9).
The Lord is our light, inspiring boldness in the midst of fear and darkness (Psalm 27). The promises he has made are sealed in blood and continue for untold generations (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18). Like Jesus, we press on toward the cross because our citizenship in heaven is guaranteed (Philippians 3:17-41). In spite of adversity, Jesus stayed faithful until his mission was accomplished (Luke 4:1-13).
Trust in the Lord and make him your dwelling place (Psalm 99:1-2, 9-16). God provides deliverance and salvation to his people. Therefore, we should offer God the first fruits of our labor to celebrate his provision. (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) All those who confess Jesus as Lord, and call on his name are counted among God’s beloved children and will be saved (Romans 10:8b-13). Jesus has done what we could not. He has fully rejected the temptations of the evil one in order to glorify God and secure our salvation (Luke 4:1-13).
God has provided glimpses of his glory and holiness (Exodus 34:29-35). These revelations inspire awe and worship (Psalm 99). Our hope rests in God’s revelation to us through Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God! He is transforming us through his Spirit and calling us into the light of his glory (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2). At times, we may be terrified, but we are called to trust God and listen to his Chosen Son as we worship and wait for his healing (Luke 9:28-43a).
Wait for God’s Salvation / Extend Forgiveness and Mercy
Forgiveness and mercy accompany God’s plan to prosper and protect his people (Genesis 45:3-11,15). We are called to trust in God and wait for his salvation in the midst of those who reject God and his ways (Psalm 37:1-11,39-40). We must go the extra mile to love our enemies and extend mercy (Luke 6:27-38). For we know that we will one day inherit imperishable bodies and that our suffering will come to an end (1 Cor. 15:35-38,42-50).
Those who trust in God and follow his ways (Jeremiah 17:5-10) are like trees planted next to water (Psalm 1). Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, so our faith is confirmed and we are compelled to share this gospel (1 Corinthians 15:12-20). Jesus came to bring hope to the oppressed and warning to those who trust in riches and worldly acclaim (Luke 6:17-26).
