The theme for the Fourth Sunday in Lent is Salvation by Sight. On the fourth Sunday in Lent we begin to see the cross in the distance and learn of its healing power of salvation by grace. As Moses raised a brazen serpent, Jesus must be raised up on a cross. The upraised serpent in the Old Testament lesson brought healing through the forgiving love of God. This took place simply by looking to the upraised serpent. The cross brings eternal life to those who look to the cross with the eyes of faith in the Gospel lesson. With Christ we are raised to heavenly places where we see the riches of grace in the Epistle lesson. Salvation comes simply in a look – a look at the cross and a look in faith. Salvation is the theme of the Psalm of the Day. The Hymn of the Day is based on John 3:16, a verse from this week’s Gospel lesson. Next Sunday’s lessons present us with tremendous texts as Ephesians 2:8 and John 3:16 as well as basic themes; salvation by grace, the cross, the amazing love of God, and the healing power of forgiveness.
Psalm 27:3-5; antiphon, Psalm 27:1—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit, The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid, reflects David’s confidence and faith in the LORD, exhorting all people also to place their trust in the LORD. Thus David can conclude; when evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
The LORD is the light for our path, he is the light of truth, and he is the illumination of our salvation. We do not trust in might or wealth, or any manifestation of our own strength to save us. Our help is in the LORD; He is God.
This is a psalm of David, a plea for deliverance from his enemies – evil men who breathe out violence and advance against him to devour his flesh. David boldly asserts that he is not afraid, for the LORD is his light and salvation. What is the source of David’s confidence? Continual fellowship with God. Our best defense against the assault of our enemy, the devil, is to follow David’s example: worship in the house of the LORD. In the day of trouble, He will keep us safe in His dwelling.
Collect for Psalm 27: Gracious Father, protector of those who hope in you. You heard the cry o your Son and kept him safe in your shelter in the day of evil. Grant that your servants who seek your face in times of trouble may see your goodness in the land of the living, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
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