Saturday, April 1, 2017

Saturday of Lent 4



Saturday of Lent 4, April 1, 2017     Psalm 122:8      
                   

Psalm 122:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 For my brothers and companions' sake
    I will say, “Peace be within you!”

David sees the gathering of relatives among the twelve tribes. There is also a return to the pilgrimage idea as the traveling companions going to Jerusalem come into view. Peace be within you! The travelers may have greeted one another with “Peace be to you,” and now this greeting extended to Jerusalem. Recall also Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem, wishing to gather it to Himself. (See Matthew 23:37-39) 

Like David, we are welcomed to the Lord’s House and can rejoice at the invitation. We are drawn to a heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). At the throne of Christ, the eternal Son of David, we find a place of peace. (Romans 5:1; 8:1) 1

Christ is our rest and our peace. Jesus has made this peace by His sacrifice for us. In every sense, Christ is the author, center, and substance of being at peace with God. During this Lenten journey focus on Christ and His gifts given to you. 

Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and spare all those who confess their sins to you; that those whose consciences are accuse by sin may by your merciful pardon be absolved; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen  2

[1] Lutheran Study Bible, © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[2] Collect for Saturday of Lent 4, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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