Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 33

March 16, 1997. Today's Bible verse is 1 Peter 5: 8-11

Our Worship Service and 1 Peter 5: 8-11

In the close of this letter to the young congregations in Asia Minor, the author succinctly summarizes Christ's message to us. Our Worship Service each Sunday recapitulates this message.

Verse 8 begins with an exhortation to be alert in order to guard against the forces of sin. This is equally important whether it pertains to a young church struggling against persecution from religious and political authorities, or to each of us struggling with temptations. We are reminded of this each Sunday in our service with The Confession.

This is followed in verse 9 with an admonition to stand up to evil, and with the reminder that the congregations to whom this missive is addressed are not alone in suffering. We recognize them each Sunday in The Prayers.

Verse 10 reassures us that we are saved (through Christ's suffering and death on the cross). The Communion celebrates this salvation.

Prior to the closing salutations in this letter, the author offers the comforting words that God's dominion will hold forever and ever. This provides a comforting close to this letter for a Church suffering from oppression, just as we leave each Sunday having heard The Benediction.

Prayer: My beloved Jesus, how many times have You pardoned me, and how many times have I fallen again and begun again to offend you. Be with us each day, and help make our celebration of your life more clear to each of us each time we gather in Your name. Amen.

[Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]

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