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
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5-6)
Meditation
On Palm Sunday, we see emphatic crowds cheering Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem. We also see the week ahead. We call it “Holy Week,” and it includes betrayal, denial, suffering, and death. As we enter this week, we are given strength by words spoken a week from Palm Sunday:
Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and stands today as our Lord and King. This is a remarkable fact that distinguishes our faith from any other. Our God is a God of the living, not the dead. And yet he has come to save the dead, you and me, that we too might be raised to new life.
On this Sunday, focus on this resurrection verse. If you have not already, memorize it. In prayer, hold fast to the Risen Christ as you enter the somber days of Holy Week.
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