Saturday of Lent 5 – April 4, 2020 – Matthew 16:24
[1]
Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through a world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father’s bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where You guide. [2]
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
By faith, we share the cross and glory of Jesus. We share the same attitude toward this life that Christ had. It’s illustrated in a paradox (see John 12:25) He who loves life will lose it. He who hates life will keep it to eternal life. This life is lost in Christ, lost as far as the world is concerned. It is won for eternal life with God.
The Father sent His Son to be the true Israel, the Suffering Servant and Redeemer of the world. For Jesus the way to fulfilled purpose and glory was the way of the cross and the empty tomb. The way of the cross and self-denial for those who would follow Him in faith was a difficult thing to do.
By faith we take up our cross and follow Him.
O Lord, in Your goodness You bestow abundant graces on Your elect: Look with favor, we entreat You, upon those who in these Lenten days are being prepared for You Holy Baptism, and grant them the help of Your protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3]
_______________
1. Baptism, © Higher Things
2. Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100013721.
3. Collect for Saturday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment