Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lenten Devotion

"Some of the Pharisees said, 'This man is not from God,
for He does not keep the Sabbath.' But others said, 'How
can a man who is a sinner do such things?' And there was
a division among them" (John 9:16).

Read John 9:1-16.

Leaving the temple grounds Jesus passes through
Jerusalem. Along the way His disciples point out a man
born blind. They ask if his blindness is a result of his
parents' sin or his own. Jesus rejects both claims, and says
this man was born blind so the works of God may be
displayed in him. Then Jesus gave the man sight.

When word reaches the Pharisees there is a sharp division
among them. Some immediately reject Jesus because He
healed on the Sabbath day. Blinded by their tradition they are
unable to see God's great purpose for the Sabbath-to let
people rest from their labors and let God work in their lives.
Others realize the magnitude of the work Jesus has done.
Like Nicodemus before (see John 3), they know no sinful man
could perform such a mighty miracle. So a division arises
among the Pharisees.

Jesus continues to divide people today. Some listen to His
words, consider His miracles and are led by the Holy Spirit
to the certain faith that He is God's Son, the Savior of the
world. Others ignore the plain truth and take issue with the way
Jesus taught and the demands they think He makes on their
lives. They doubt His relevance and prefer to live their lives their
own way.

God grant us His Holy Spirit to know Jesus as God's Son, our
only Savior and Lord, and to follow Him through all.

THE PRAYER:

Spirit of God, strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ my Lord, and
give me firm confidence when others are divided over Him. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

"So they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid
Himself and went out of the temple" (John 8:59).

Read John 8:45-59.

Now the crowd could prove whether they were truly children
of God as they claimed, or children of the devil as Jesus had
said. Would they come running to the Savior for forgiveness
and life, or cling to the dark lies of Satan? John tells us their
grim decision: "they picked up stones to throw at Him."

You and I go to church and in Baptism God made us His
very own children. But how often do we live as if we weren't?
How attentive are we when we hear or read Jesus' words?
How closely do we follow Him in our words and actions? Are
we willing to pray "Your will be done?" or do we only want to
accept Jesus on our own terms? Are we as quick to turn on
Him as the crowds were?

Jesus miraculously hides Himself and leaves the temple
grounds. The time for His death is drawing near, but He will
not die at the hands of an angry mob under a pile of rocks at
the temple. He will be dragged outside of the city at the hands
of the Roman soldiers and nailed to a cross.

Even today Jesus' words often bring a violent reaction. If we
are walking in darkness we are not always excited to hear the
truth. But Christ promises to wash away our sins and restore
us in faith. He will guard and protect us and finally bring us to
our eternal home where we will always walk in His light.

THE PRAYER:

Lord, give courage to all Your faithful people who bring Your
light into our dark world. Empower me to turn from the
darkness and share my faith as You guide and protect me.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "'You are of your father the devil.' ..."
(John 8:44a).

Read John 8:31-45.

Jesus stands firm. But His enemies are standing firm
too. The only way He can save them is by bringing them
out of their darkness into His light. So Jesus first offers
a promise, then He tightens the screws.

He begins with the promise, "If you abide in My word,
you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free." But in pride and arrogance
they claim they are already free. So Jesus explains their
true condition, "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin." They
just aren't getting it. So, slowly, Jesus knocks each prop
of self-righteousness out from under them.

They claim to be Abraham's children, but they are not
because Abraham would have welcomed Him, not seek to
kill Him as they are.

They claim God is their father, but if they were God's children
they would love Him and receive Him as God's Son.

There is only one reason why they cannot stomach what
Jesus is saying: their father isn't God; their father is the devil!
Just as he murdered Adam and Eve by his lies, and brought
darkness and death on all God's good creation, so are they
now seeking to murder Jesus- God's only begotten Son.

How could Jesus have been any more clear and to the point?
Their thoughts and desires, their words and their deeds were
making that very clear. And what about us? Jesus asks you
and me to examine our thoughts, attitudes, words and actions.
Do they look more like God or like Satan? Who is your father?

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I was born a child of Satan through my sinful
nature, but You gave me new birth as Your child in Baptism. By
Your Spirit empower me to live as Your child and love what You
command. In Jesus' Name. Amen.