Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Psalm 2.

TEXT: For kingship belongs
to the Lord, and He rules over the nations
(Psalm 22:28).

On this day when we remember Jesus'
death on the cross, we often think of Him
as the Victim. We think of His pain and
agony, the enemies that taunted, mocked
and ridiculed Him, as well as His bitter
suffering and death for our sins.
 
But there is another side to Good Friday.
It focuses on Christ as the great Victor. He
is likened to young David, carrying only
a sling and a few smooth stones to engage
in a battle to the death against the giant
Goliath, coated in heavy armor,standing
behind his shield, arrogantly shaking his
spear and sword.

On this day Jesus our King goes up all
alone to battle to the death with the giant
Satan, rattling his weapons of sin, death
and hell. Jesus comes as the King and
Defender of all nations. He stumbles along
the road, beaten and battered. He carries
no weapons, no shield, only the rough cross
piece.

Our Hero looks weak, helpless, and easily
defeated as He falls to His knees again and
again, but in His suffering and death He
crushes the serpent's head. He frees us
from God's wrath, from dire punishments on
earth and in hell.

At the end of the battle He stands alone --
Satan, sin, death and hell have all fallen --
 vanquished, crushed, defeated. In three days
He will rise from the grave in majesty and power,
with complete and total victory. There can be no
doubt -- He truly is the King of Kings and Ruler
over all the nations.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your great
victory over all our enemies. Lead our celebration
of that great deliverance as we await the day we
will see You face to face -- our
victorious Warrior and King. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Psalm 77.

TEXT: All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to
the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship
before You (Psalm 22:27).

Tonight is an annual reminder of our Lord's Last Supper,
the beginning of His passion and suffering for our sins. And
right here at the start we begin with a special gift of Jesus,
as recorded in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25:

"The Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took
bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said,
'This is My body which is for you. DO THIS IN
REMEMBRANCE OF ME.'
 
"In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying,
'This cup is the new testament in My blood. Do this, as often
as you drink it, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.'"

An important part of receiving Holy Communion is
remembering what God did for us through Jesus Christ -- how
this very body was given into death for our sins, and this
precious blood was poured out for us. We remember His bitter
suffering and death, and the great victory He won over all our
enemies.

Whenever we are in turmoil, in doubt, fearful, or even on the
brink of death, we can remember that Jesus Christ has carried
our sins and won our salvation. Then in gratitude and joy we
spread the story, so all the families of the nations may come
before the Lord in peace, praise and worship -- and always
remember Him -- recalling what He has done for us all.

THE PRAYER:

 Lord Jesus Christ, this night we remember Your great sacrifice
as we eat Your body in the bread, and drink Your blood in the
wine. Cleanse us from our sins, strengthen us in faith, and
deliver us from all our foes. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Exodus 24:1-11.

TEXT: The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who
seek Him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live
forever (Psalm 22:26).

Whenever God's people were in distress in Old Testament
times, they would pray for help. When the Lord delivered
them they brought a sacrifice called a "peace offering."
In every other offering the whole animal was burnt on the
altar. But this sacrifice was unique because the
worshipper was given a portion of the sacrifice to eat.
This food was God's pledge and promise He had forgiven
the sinner and was now in full fellowship.

Tomorrow night Christians gather to celebrate how God
delivered us from the affliction of sin, death, hell and Satan
by sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ, the great Passover
 Lamb. And like the peace offering of old, God gives us
some of that precious sacrifice for us to eat and drink in
His presence. He shares the very body and blood of Jesus
Christ given and shed for our salvation.

When we eat and drink this great Supper, we are forgiven
all our sins, delivered from death and hell, and united in
fellowship with God our Father and Jesus Christ our
victorious King. We are also united together with all God's
children in heaven and on earth: the great assembly in
which Jesus our Lord proclaims His Father's goodness and
love.

Even in the midst of our troubles in this life Christ invites us
to come into His presence and seek His help and
deliverance, and eat the very sacrifice that won God's
mercy and forgiveness.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, no matter what afflictions I face, You are
with me. Strengthen me in the company of my Christian
brothers and sisters that we may honor You for Your great
deliverance. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)