Deuteronomy 26:1–11— A Confession of God’s Goodness
People give to the Lord for different reasons: some,
grudgingly, out of a sense of obligation; some, only when there is a specific
need which must be met; some, because they believe that giving to the Lord will
bring some sort of earthly reward, monetary or otherwise. These directions to
the Children of Israel from the Lord through His prophet Moses show that giving
back to the Lord is a privilege, when we realize that all we have comes from
Him. It should be a pleasure for us to give generously to the Lord; for doing
so reminds us of all the blessings He continually showers upon us and gives us
reason to rejoice.
The recitation prescribed in today’s reading from Deuteronomy
recounting the great deliverance from bondage in Egypt, was to be said along
with the presentation of a basket of first fruits each year. This passage is
quite old, thus the offerings were probably made at the tabernacle rather than
at the Temple at Jerusalem, since this writing was around long before the
Temple was built by Solomon. The point is that people, bringing first fruits of
their harvest to the Lord, at the same time offer him thanksgiving for freedom
from the bondage of sin.
Today is Ash Wednesday. We begin the discipline of Lent. Lent
is a forty day observance as Sundays are excluded. Lent is a time when we deal
with the basic realities of life; temptation, denial, suffering, sacrifice,
prayer, agony of soul, betrayal, and death. During Lent we journey to Jerusalem
to participate in the tragedy of the cross. It is a serious and solemn time of
dying with Jesus that we might also rise with Him; for unless this death takes
place, there can be no joy of Easter.
Collect for Ash Wednesday: Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[2]
[1]
Ash Wednesday © Google Images
[2]
Collect for Ash Wednesday, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment