If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to someone, you treasure the last words spoken. You remember what was said. You hold on to those final words. For Lent in 2021, we are focusing on the last words of Jesus from the cross. What did he say? What does it mean for us? How do those words change us? This week, we hear a word of forgiveness from the cross. Jesus said of those who were executing him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Invocation
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!
Invitation Prayer
Lord Jesus, we are your disciples and we follow you. That means we trace your footsteps even to the cross. You are Friend of sinners. You are Savior of the lost. Reform our hearts in the shape of your will. Release us from guilt and shame. Restore us to new life in your image. Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.
Confession
O God, in the beginning you made us good, even “very good.” I admit the many things in my life that are far from your good intent. I try to change, and then find myself in the same place once again. Lord, you know me. Have mercy. Make me right. Forgive my wickedness. Bring me back to good, as you intended from the beginning. Amen.
Word: Jeremiah 31:34
“For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Meditation
Under normal circumstances, amnesia is a bad thing. Here, in Jeremiah 31, it is holy. Could God call up a spreadsheet of all my offenses? Of course. God has the right to recall all of our sins, but in forgiveness he chooses not to remember them.
His forgiveness is not partial. He does not keep our record in his back pocket, ready to wave it in our face when we mess up again. The cross is evidence of the finality of forgiveness. Forgiveness is full. Complete. He casts our sin out and away. We are truly and wholly freed by his blood.
Consider this today: Knowing that your sins are remembered no more, what is one word that comes to mind?
O God, the sins of the past haunt me. Remember them no more. Show me grace in my present and future. Amen.
Sending
You are loved by God. Your end is not dust. He has given you life! Go from this place to a life of service and witness. Go in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com