SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
NEWS: This evening the women meet for their online Bible study. Lori Dowe is leading study of the book, “Experiencing the Heart of Jesus,” by Max Lucado. Things start at 5:00 PM and Lori can give you the information.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Diane Finley.
READINGS: Psalm 42:1-6a, 9-11; Psalm 52; Job 18:1-21; John 7:32-53
DEVOTION:
Hebrews 3:1-6 – Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a Son. And we are His house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
The letter to the Hebrews is a great lead-in to Lent. By the start of the third chapter, the writer has confirmed Jesus’ supremacy, His position as God’s only Son, His role as Creator of the universe, His place at God’s right hand, His achievement as the Founder of our faith, and His superiority to the prophet Moses, which for the Jews was a hard, if not impossible, act to follow (see Hebrews 1-2).
The letter to the Hebrews has much more to say as well. It exhorts us to be mindful of God as He speaks to us. “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.’ … But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. … For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 3:7-8, 13; 4:15-16).
As we begin Lent next week, our thoughts are drawn to what God has done for us in Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus has become “the Source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9b). “For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). This is the saving work we honor and stand in awe of during Lent.
Jesus has done it all for you and for me. Jesus, “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 12:2b). He is our Lord and Savior, our Victor over the powers of darkness, our Shepherd who leads us unto life eternal.
This is the Jesus we set our eyes on during Lent—God’s Son who has been faithful in all things.
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, lead us to the cross of Jesus and find there the eternal life He offers. In His Name. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is it possible to harden our hearts against God?
2. Why is it that Jesus is “counted worthy of more glory than Moses”?
3. Do you do anything special or unique during Lent to acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice for you?
Today’s Bible Readings: Exodus 39-40 Mark 4:21-41
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Luther’s Morning Prayer
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you are to go to your work joyfully.
Luther’s Evening Prayer
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
Then you are to go to sleep quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hours: https://lutheranpublicradio.org/
KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/
A very blessed Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
