Thursday of Lent 5

Thursday of Lent 5, April 6, 2017 Psalm 43:1-2      

Psalm 43:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV)
Send Out Your Light and Your Truth

43 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
    against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
    deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
    why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?

The psalmist appeals to God as a just judge against all who set themselves against God and His people whether ancient or modern. The oppressed make their appeal to God and take refuge in Him.1  

In spite of present weakness and struggles, you can trust that the day of the Lord is coming. And that Jesus will act decisively for you on that day. He will wipe every tear from your eye and He will comfort you. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”- Matthew 5: 4 For those who find themselves to be spiritually helpless. Without status.  Without any excuse before God. Jesus proclaims this good news. That He has come to be a gracious king. Precisely for such helpless, empty-handed sinners. He does this for you. So that you may enter this world as His witness. To declare to others the Lord’s abundant mercy and grace. How can God use present sufferings for your good? 

O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his demands and have no fear in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 2

[1] Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Collect for Thursday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things