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
“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Rev. 21:6)
Meditation
The Bible gives us two very different pictures of Jesus. In one he is veiled in frail flesh. He is a suffering servant, bleeding and dying. In the other, he is the King of all kings, mighty and invincible. In the ancient creed we confess that he is “seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” Remember today that the man who died on the cross is now seated on the throne. At this very moment, he stands as the first and the last and everything in between. While facing the struggles of life in this land of shadows, trust that Christ victorious holds the day. The old, evil order is crumbling. Jesus is reigning.
Jesus Christ, you reign and rule. Thy kingdom come and thy will be done. 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