LEAN INTO LENT DAY 26
(Colossians 1:15-16) He is the image of the invisible. God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church.
The He is Christ, Jesus. In the story of creation, the pronouns are plural, (Let us make man in our image) God the Father and God the Son. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus willingly lived our life, but had no home, no family, after leaving the majesty of heaven due the King of Kings? As Isaiah predicted, He was rejected of men, and with His stripes, His beatings, we are healed. He was not the conquering hero to overthrow the Roman occupation. Yet, He will one day reign in the Peaceable Kingdom.
From the hostile birthing place (no sterile hospital attended by medical staff), a smelly stable and scratchy straw to chafe his tender skin, no well-appointed nursery with cute little animal wallpaper (he had probably a donkey, a rooster to wake Him, and late-night visitors giving Mary no rest. And a brutal beating, betrayal, and rejection, and a cross were yet to come.Think about that.
PRAYER: Thank you, Jesus for loving me enough to leave the heavenly realms to show me the Father’s love. Dwell in my heart and help me to share Your love. I am eternally thankful. Amen.
From my book Restore My Soul Psalms, A Lenten Journey, My Psalm 338 Overwhelmed:
MY PSALM 333 OVERWHELMED
Lord God, Almighty to Save,
We come into Your Presence this day
With thanksgiving and praise to Your Name.
For without fear or shame
We can bow in Your Presence
Because of the work of salvation
Of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Sinful though we are, living in self-worship
Instead of being constantly in praise of Your Name,
Your love for the world, Your love for me
And the atoning sacrifice of Jesus’ blood at Calvary
Demands my constant thanksgiving in every moment
Every day, of every week, of every month, of every year.
The peace given my soul because of Jesus’ gift to me
Assures my everlasting presence in Your kingdom,
For You have called me to be Your daughter,
Adopted into Your family, known to You,
Loved by You, protected by You, and in fellowship
With the Lord of the Universe.
How can I grasp that thought?
That You Who established the world
In all its intricacy and beauty and grandeur
Even numbered the hairs on my head,
That You who brings the rain in due season,
Who governs the winds and waves the sea,
You who delivers the newborn lamb
And unfurls the gorgeous butterfly,
You Who paints the morning sky and day’s sunset
Can grow a grandchild and soothe the dying one.
You, Lord of the Universe, can spin the planets
And miraculously steer a hurricane away from me
By Your Divine command.
And You assure this sinful soul
Of Your concern, and Your love, and my peace.
We praise Your Name this day
In grateful thanksgiving
And bring our humble prayers
With the assurance that You hear us
And You love us,
And You do all things to Your Glory
Because of Your love for Your people.
e thank You for the tall hedges of protection
You provide for Your children,
And I am eternally grateful to be one of Yours.
Because of Your gift of Jesus Christ,
My Lord and Savior, I am assured this day
Of Your love and my acceptance into Your Kingdom.
In thanksgiving forever, Amen.
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