Monday of Lent 2

Monday of Lent 2, 26 February 2018                            Daniel 9:3-10

Luther writes, “The ninth chapter opens with a splendid prayer in which Daniel prays for his people who are held captive in Babylon and for the city of Jerusalem and the temple. He prays that the Jews might return to Jerusalem, and there resume their worship of God. The prayer is answered, and to Daniel is revealed the number of years until Christ should come and begin his eternal kingdom. Now this is remarkable and great revelation of Christ which sets the time so surely and accurately.” 1

The psalmist writes,”My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!” – Psalm 3:15 At just the right time the Lord created this world. As just the right time He redeemed it by sending His Son. At the right time He will bring us home. The Lord orders all of your days. Daniel was given a vision to know the future. We are not so fortunate. But this we know – each day the Lord will order according to His perfect plan. He will shape and use the circumstances of your life to bring you closer to Him. We might not know the future but we know the One who orders each new day. Trust in Him. By His protection He will provide.  Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. True, when the Lord closes a door He opens a window. But sometimes it’s a mess in the hallway! So, how’s your mess today? Commit each day to Him. This need not be another manic Monday! He can even bless your mess. Your times are in His hands!  

Hymn: O Perfect Life of Love (Lutheran Service Book  452:2)

No work is left undone
Of all the Father willed;
His toil, His sorrows, one by one,
The Scriptures have fulfilled.

Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be always a living sacrifice to You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 2

1. Luther’s Works American Edition 35; 303 © Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

2. Collect for Monday of Lent 2,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm