Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Thursday prior to Lent 2

 

A suggested theme for the second Sunday in Lent “Facing your enemies”

Philippians 3:17—4:1Live contrary to the enemies of the cross

St Paul encourages the believers at Philippi—and us—to stand firm in the Lord. As for, the people who love the world—those who are enemies of the cross of Christ—their end is destruction. Therefore, we are to not to behave as citizens of the world, but as citizens of heaven. We are to live contrary to the enemies of the cross.

Paul has spoken of himself as an example of one who follows Christ and asks the Christians at Philippi to follow his lead in living as Christians. He makes a strong plea for them to lead consistently more lives and to do so in order to gain that “glorious (heavenly) body”” from Christ’s power. He is asking them, pleading with them to live the moral life of a believer in order to be given the gift of the resurrected body in eternal life. In short, imitate not the enemies of the cross but Paul.

Questions for the day based on today’s reading. Whose moral example do you follow and why? What is consistent in their life and why pattern your life after their example?  Have you ever been disappointed by someone you emulated in your life? What lessons have you learned?  

Prayer of praise and supplicationLord God, creator of heaven and earth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the abundant mercy that You this day so richly have provided for us, blessing us not only with daily bread for our bodies but also with heavenly food for our souls. Grant that Your living and powerful Word may abide in our hearts, working mightily in us to Your glory and for our salvation. We commit ourselves to Your divine protection and fatherly care. Let Your holy angels be with us that the evil foe may have no power over us. Look in mercy on Your Church and deliver it from all danger and adversities. By Your Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen all who are in affliction or distress, and grant Your abiding peace to us all; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[1] -10 March, 2022


[1] Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis


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