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Fourth Sunday in Lent Devotion

                                                                          Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 14, 2021 

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

LSB 438 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

(Verse 1 of this week’s hymn served as inspiration for today’s devotion.)

Behold the Lamb! Not quite the introduction expected for the one whom Magi from the East identified as the one who is born ‘King of the Jews.’ Yet, what the Magi proclaimed at Jesus coming into the world, John the Baptist would proclaim as Jesus would prepare to depart from this world but not before fulfilling all righteousness required for our salvation and these titles will speak for themselves.

There is very little that is not known regarding the position of King, in fact, the nations outside of Israel knew all about kings and their magisterial position of power. The Jews however, were not to have such earthly lordship over them because God Himself was to be their Lord and King. Yet as the Israelites rebelled against God, He would have Samuel the prophet to choose their king for them and even then, they complained! For generations, this would only add to the extent of the misery and suffering of the people and their need for He Who would come as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Without complaining, without rebelling, without any of the ways in which the people had displayed their contempt and dissatisfaction with God, the King who would be the Lamb goes forth willingly, obediently, and without complaint to faithfully fulfill what all of Israel could not. However, for the people, the image of a conquering military hero was desired much for than that of a helpless, spotless lamb. Where the warrior would fight to the death, the lamb would not and without faith and the wisdom of God to open their minds and hearts the people would come to overwhelmingly reject the spotless Lamb of God.

Yet, the wisdom of God has made it so that even the most recalcitrant of sinners would have the opportunity to hear the voice of the one crying in the wilderness, to repent and receive the kingdom of God and to behold the Lamb of God Who now reigns as our victorious King.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it was Your will to make a way for us to receive Your Kingdom through the willing and loving obedience of Your Son in our place. No earthy king would be able to humble himself and be glad to sacrifice his own life for those he has the authority to rule over. Yet, with all authority given to Him, our Lord Jesus has secured our place in His Kingdom through death on a cross. May we continue our Lenten journey keeping this blessed Gospel of amazing grace close to our hearts, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rev. Robert Briggs – Lutheran Senior Services – Chaplain, Affordable Housing