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 “distress.” The end is drawing near and Jesus says just two words, “I thirst”. And with these words he reveals both genuine human pain and the God who left nothing undone to secure your salvation.
Invitation Prayer
O God, “may my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry” (Psalm 88:2). Relieve my distress. Satisfy my needs. Hear my prayer. Amen.
Confession
O Father in heaven, you made me to desire you above all else. To follow hard after you in all things. To live on every word you speak. And yet my desire for you is often small. My obedience is fleeting. I listen to other voices. Forgive my sin for the sake of Jesus. Amen.
Word
“I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me.” (Jonah 2:2)
Meditation
It’s one thing to cry. The question is, “Will anyone listen? Can anyone do anything about it?” We are told in Scripture that God has ears. He hears our crying. Not only does he hear, but he answers. He acts when he hears our cries for help. Jesus’ cries from the cross were heard by God. Cries of pain turned to shouts of joy. Distress became victory. Death gave way to resurrection. Jesus’ victory assures us that God answers. If you normally pray silently, pray out loud today, as a reminder that God hears and answers.
O God who answers when your people call, hear my prayer. Come. Act. Respond. Only by the name of Jesus do I dare to ask such a thing. Amen.
Sending Prayer
Lord Jesus, you promised to give living water to all who ask. Satisfy my thirsty soul and fill me to overflowing. Send me in your name. May your abundant life flow through me to others. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com