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 “forsaken”. Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Invocation
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!
Invitation Prayer
O God, everyone is from somewhere. But I’m in the middle of nowhere. I am a nobody. But you call my name, and I am somebody. Lord, do not forsake me. If no one else knows my name, I simply ask, call mine. Know me. Then I’m somebody. Amen.
Confession
Lord, I am a hollow tree. There is an empty space inside me. Gone is the passion and the energy. All that remains is an echo of what once was. Have you left me? Am I alone? I am a corpse without you. Lord, I am a hollow tree. Only you can fill the empty.
Word: Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Meditation
We are prone to run away. We wander from the fold of God. Sinful hearts are like a fugitive on the run, hiding and trying not to get caught. Some would say that runaways get what they deserve. Let them go.
But God is not satisfied with that result. He chooses to chase. He desires the lost to come home. He wants the sick healed. He wants the sinful forgiven. Praise God for his heart that seeks the lost. After all, he found you. Do you know anyone who is running from God? Write down their name and pray for them today.
God of the runaway, forgive my fugitive ways. Drawn me and all who wander back home to you. Amen.
Sending
From Hebrews 13:5-6: “He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Come, O Lord, Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com