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 focus on the word “salvation”. A thief on the cross called to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) Jesus replied with a word of salvation, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Invitation Prayer
Lord, I have a one word prayer today: Help! You are the Savior of those in desperation. What else can I say? I cannot get out of this. I have no answers. I don’t know what to do, even in the next moment. All I have is a child’s call: Help! Amen.
Confession
O God of salvation, have mercy on me, according to your steadfast love.
At discouragement, I lose heart. Give me patience and a steadfast heart.
At success, I want more. Give me gratitude and contentment.
At pain, I flee. Give me courage and fortitude.
At temptation, I give in. Give me faithful endurance.
At criticism, I get angry. Give me humility and growth.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.
Word: Luke 2:30
“ . . . for my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Mediation
Simeon is a mysterious man in the Bible. We know little about him other than the fact that he held Jesus as a child. When Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple, Simeon was there, hanging on a promise that he would see the Messiah. For Mary and Joseph, it was startling that a stranger would ask to hold the baby.
Furthermore, while looking at the infant, he said, “my eyes have seen your salvation.” His eyes were not on a political ruler, nor were they fixed upon the stars. He was gazing upon a child. The infant in the manger became the man on the cross. Here is salvation. Jesus brought salvation in a way that we might easily miss. Come in a manger, by a cross, and to an empty tomb.
Don’t let your eyes fool you. God is doing his saving work in ways we often miss. Keep your eyes open wide for what he’s doing around you, and in you.
Lord, give me the eyes of Simeon. Teach me to hang on every word of your promise and be faithful unto my life’s end. Amen.
Sending Word
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (II Peter 3:18)
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com