"He Will"
March 02, 2009
Isaiah 9:7 - Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
James 4:8 - Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
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A close childhood friend of mine was always confused as to why Christians observed Lent. He wondered why we go through this every year. "After all," he reasoned, "it's not like we're going to forget what Jesus Christ did for us."
We, too, as Christ-followers need to remember how incomplete our view often is of God's work in this world. God's Word reminds us how important daily confession and absolution is. We daily and desperately need God's Holy Spirit to reveal our sin and our need to repent so we are not destroyed by the disease and sickness our sin is.
Repentance from sin leads to the absolution, forgiveness, and reassurance that God has purified us in Christ. He purified us in our Baptism, and He will forgive us for failing every day for the sake of Jesus Christ. What reassurance this brings the followers of Jesus Christ! Isaiah 9:7 also teaches us that God will do what He has planned to do and accomplish His purpose. This is the importance of daily repentance and the daily reading of God's Word. Just like Israel, just like the disciples, just like my friend, we so easily forget that God will do all He promises to do!
Though somber in its reflection on the death of Christ, Lent also celebrates the victory the Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost-has accomplished on our behalf through Christ's resurrection. He achieves His purpose by daily forgiving and strengthening us in faith. He will fulfill His promise in the ultimate realization of peace that Christ's Second Coming will bring in the new heaven and new earth.
THE PRAYER: Almighty God, we praise You for making us new through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. We thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith through Your Word. Help us love and forgive others as You have loved and forgiven us. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Written by Pastor Ben Dolby
Resurrection Lutheran Church - Newport News, Virginia
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