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 “triumph.” To all the world, the cross looked like a defeat. And yet, the final word of Jesus from the cross is a word of victory! “It is finished.”
Invitation Prayer
King of Kings, through your death you triumphed over death. Through your resurrection you have raised me to new life. May your kingdom come. Reign and rule over my life this day. Amen.
Confession
Merciful Lord, how often have surrendered to temptation, to the world, to my own sinful desires. How often have I ended the day ashamed and defeated. Yet You have triumphed over them all. Forgive my sins and strengthen my love that in You I may finally win the victory. Amen.
Word
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (I Cor. 15:54-55)
Meditation
We are taught as children not to taunt. Don’t make fun of your brother. Don’t tease your sister. Don’t bully classmates and friends. If there is an exception to this, Paul shows us. You have permission to taunt and bully death. Its offensive sneer has haunted us for too long. It’s time to put death in its place. We don’t do this by our own might. Left to ourselves, death claims us every time. No, we taunt death only by the power of the One who defeated it. Christ’s resurrection is a victory that devours death. Where are you death? Christ is with us! Death, you are dead! Recall the funerals you have attended for those who are in Christ. Speak this verse as you remember them.
Lord of Life, bring comfort to those who grieve and mourn. Still our troubled hearts with your resurrection power. Amen.
Sending Prayer
I step forward in quiet boldness, Father, for I go forth in your promise, with great expectation and triumphant joy. I praise You Lord, for I have this confidence that the day is already won in Jesus. I praise and glorify Your name now and forevermore. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com