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
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6)
Meditation
In our world, those who hunger and thirst are to be pitied. The needy are charity cases. We may even consider them to be cursed. “What did they do wrong?” In the Beatitudes, Jesus addresses hunger and thirst as “blessed” attributes. He adds “the poor in spirit,” the “meek,” and “those who mourn.” Those who are empty and long to be filled, yes, these are the “blessed” God is pleased to care for those in distress. When we “thirst,” we come to see that only God can satisfy and only Jesus saves. Identify a “distress” that has led you to greater reliance on God.
Jesus, you fed 5,000. So satisfy me. Where I am empty and in need, fill me with your good gifts. 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