March 28, 2021
Psalm 118
To the tune of “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem” C.M. D Sing it at soundtrackforlent.com
1 O praise the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures always;
2 Let those of Israel now say,
“His love endures always.”
3 And let the house of Aaron say,
“His love endures always.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord now say,
“His love endures always.”
5 In my distress, I called the Lord,
and He did answer me;
I cried in anguish, and He heard—
from trouble set me free.
6 The Lord is with me, ever sure;
I will not be afraid;
For what is there that man can do,
when I am on Him stayed?
7 The Lord’s with me; He is my help
against the enemy;
Therefore, upon all of my foes
I’ll look triumphantly.
8 It’s better far to trust the Lord
than trust in man’s defense;
9 To find your refuge in the Lord
than trust in king or prince.
. . .
20 This is the gate of the Lord God;
the just shall enter there;
21 I will give thanks—You answered me
and my salvation prayer.
22 That stone is made head cornerstone
which builders did despise;
23 This is the doing of the Lord,
and wondrous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the Lord has made;
rejoice exceedingly;
25 O save us, Lord; grant us success,
and send prosperity.
26 For bless-ed is the one who comes
in the name of the Lord;
From the Lord’s house, we bless you now—
where blessing is outpoured.
27 The Lord is God, and He has made
His light on us to rise;
Bind to the altar’s horns with cords
the festal sacrifice.
28 You are my God; I’ll give You thanks,
exalt You all my days;
29 O praise the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures always.
CONSIDER THIS
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. (Luke 18:31–34)
We must remember always: you and I are, at best, those disciples who “did not understand any of this.” We cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into the so-called benefit of hindsight. Holy Week is ever before us. Sure, we may understand all of this at a historical level, and we may even grasp the doctrinal implications of his Passion, but here’s the question I am asking myself: Is my understanding of the meaning of his Passion growing, or has it become arrested in development somewhere along the way?
What I’m saying may seem somewhat abstract to you, but we will be well served to remember that at the heart of it all is pure mystery. As we enter into the Passion of Jesus, let us join together and affirm with the church at all times and in all places the Great Mystery of our faith: Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!
Ask Yourself. Share with Another.
It is my understanding of the meaning of his Passion growing, or has it become arrested in development somewhere along the way? No matter how many times you may have walked this journey to Jerusalem before, every time it’s different. Open yourself up for new revelations. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord.
For the Awakening,
J.D. Walt
Sower-in-Chief
seedbed.com