God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
You speak and summon us away
From that which is false, familiar, and faithless,
You invite us to tread a path into the unknown,
Where our barrenness is transformed by your blessing.
Amen
Daily Scripture: Psalm 22:23-31
Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can also find it here.
Lenten Quotes
At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani”, which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
| Mark 15:34
God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” God said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.”
| Genesis 22:2
Weekly Lenten Practice
Take a look at Psalm 22 again but perhaps read the whole thing through. Did you notice that verses 1 to 22 relate to a personal experience of deep suffering and abandonedment but that from verse 23 on this ‘afflicted one’ is celebrated and the far-reaching outcomes of his suffering are laid out?
Read today’s text of Psalm 22:23-31 again and see what comes from the suffering of the ‘afflicted one’? Perhaps try using the Lectio Divina approach to reading the Scripture that was outlined on Monday and ask ‘what is God saying to me today?’
Again, we would encourge you to write down these thoughts in a journal or some other place as a record of what God has been showing you during this time.
Lenten Song: Wood and Nails
Closing Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,
wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing
once again into our doors.
Evening Zoom Reflection at 9pm
We will be meeting tonight on Zoom to reflect on this together. You would be most welcome to join us. We start at 9pm and finish at 9:20pm. Maybe bring a Bible and a journal if you have them.
We are usually on a few moments before for a chat. Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84743926286
We would love to make this a shared learning experience as much as possible so therefore please consider adding any thoughts, questions and insights that might arise for you in the comments section below. We would love to hear what God is up to in this time!
2 Comments on “LENT WEEK 2 | TUESDAY”
It was really interesting to read Psalm 22:23-31 and then go back and read the whole thing as the reflection suggested. David certainly doesn’t sugar-coat his suffering but all throughout he speaks of his ‘trust’ in God who delivers. Drawing upon the story of generations before him, he reminds himself that God does not turn away from the cries of His people. He hears and responds! He does not despise our suffering. To be honest, I sometimes despise my suffering and the suffering of others because I cannot fix it. I can feel a sort of desperate, sad helplessness. This Psalm feels such a good model of how to journey through suffering:
1. Don’t deny or sugar coat it – talk to God about your doubts and disappointment and tell it like it is!
2. Remember who God is and what he has done
3. Ask God to come and help!
4. Worship, honour, revere, praise God – the God who loves us and saves us!
I was also reflecting this morning on the moment where Jesus was baptised and then sent into the wilderness. I kept hearing what the Father said about Jesus: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ I imagine that as Jesus faced his suffering – in the desert and on the cross – those words of total affirmation kept ringing in his ears, bringing life and strength to finish the task and keep going. I think the Father speaks the same over each one of us (outrageously amazing!) – may His words ring true and clear for us today, dispelling all lies of the Enemy that say otherwise!
So good Kat.
When I think about the link between God asking Abraham to sacrifice His son and God fulfilling that ask in Jesus, I think about all the other Old Testament examples where we tried to bring about the redemption only Jesus could do. Am I still trying to earn my redemption? To live perfectly? Bring order to this chaotic world? Or can I rest in Jesus Christ, begotten son and LORD? A more honest and connected life is one like psalm 22.