Thursday of Lent 1, March 9, 2017 Psalm 91:13
Psalm 91:13 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
Dangerous animals are often used to symbolize adversaries who attack unexpectedly. In addition to protection, God give strength to stomp these enemies in victory. 1
A word of caution. In Zechariah 4 we read, “Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” We cannot, by our own reason or strength, believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him. We cannot, by sheer willpower, overcome temptation or sin. Only through Christ, and His Word and Sacraments are we able to withstand temptation. In Lent, we pray the Lord to give us the strength to overcome temptation. Yet we look to Christ who is our champion, our protector, our sure defense.
Strengthen us, O Lord, by your grace, that in your might we may overcome all spiritual enemies, and with pure hearts serve you; 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 © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[2] Collect for Thursday of Lent 1, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
Luther’s
Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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