Thursday of Lent 2

Jesus Refuge of the Weary – Lutheran Service Book #423

Matthew 15:29-30; Isaiah 53:4-5; 11

Jesus, refuge of the weary,

Blest Redeemer, whom we love,

Fountain in life’s desert dreary,

Savior from the world above;

 Often have Your eyes, offended,

Gazed upon the sinner’s fall;

Yet upon the cross extended,

You have borne the pain of all.

The Christian life is not a label to put on, but a life to be put in. It is not a system of doctrines to be nitpicked about but a great principle to be lived out. Genuine faith overcomes all obstacles. Jesus demonstrating His great compassion in feeding 4,000 has the power to meet all needs. He fed the crowd and forgave them of their sin. He met their physical needs as well as the spiritual. He is the great physician, the provider of every need.

Heavenly Father, God of all grace, govern our hearts that we may never forget Your blessings but steadfastly thank and praise You for all Your goodness in this life until, with all Your saints, we praise You eternally in Your heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[1]

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[1] Lutheran Service Book, Collect Thanksgiving to God; © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis