Saturday of Lent 1

Saturday of Lent 1, 24 February 2018 Deuteronomy 26:16-19

Today’s reading concludes with a promise, “you shall be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.” God had brought Israel out of Egypt.  He was about to introduce them to the land of promise, that they might prove his "chosen people," and be "high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor," and above all, be "a holy people." 

This was his covenant engagement. Moses urges them to keep the commandments God has given them with all their heart and soul, that they would find how faithful God is.

Obedience was consequently to be the manifestation of their faith in God as "Faithful” “A God of Promise.” In Lent we focus on God’s faithfulness. He remains faithful to His promises in spite of our wayward ways. Even when we were lost and steeped in sin our heavenly Father had mercy. He sent His son into the world to redeem a fallen race and people. He remained faithful to His own character when we were content to wander, going our own way. These words find their conclusion in the faithfulness of Christ.  The writer to the Hebrews states it this way, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2   

Hymn: O Christ You Walked the Road (Lutheran Service Book 424:5)

        O Christ, You walked the road
Our wand’ring feet must go
Stay with us through temptations hour
To fight the ancient foe.

O God, by Your Word You marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to You with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Saturday of Lent 1,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm