Fourth Monday in Lent Devotion

Sent and Willingly Went                                  Fourth Monday in Lent - March 15, 2021 

³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

³⁹ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

LSB 438 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

(Verse 3 of this week’s hymn served as inspiration for today’s devotion.)

We all remember Jonah and how he was sent to Ninevah.  And, of course, we all know what happened when he refused to go to them.  In fact, he tried to go the exact opposite direction.  God willed that the Ninevites hear His Word and repent of their evil ways and be saved.  But Jonah was a most unwilling messenger.  He tried to go to the farthest city in the opposite direction.  His unwillingness to do the Father’s will led him to the docks, onto a boat, and eventually in the belly of a great fish.

We too at times are called upon by God to share His Word, and for various reasons, we are sometimes unwilling.  Maybe the job is difficult or scary, maybe we have other things we want to do, maybe we don’t like the person we are talking to.  Whatever the reason, at times we find ourselves at odds with our Lord.

How different is the story of Jesus!  It starts out similarly: God willed that all mankind hears His Word and repent of their evil ways and be saved.  But this time it was a bit different.  Jesus was a most willing messenger.  He willingly came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died to pay for the sins of all mankind.  His willingness to do the Father’s will led Him to earth, in front of the Roman Governor, and eventually onto the cross.  He rose again on the third day, conquering sin, death, and the power of the devil.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You were willing to send your Son to die in our place, and He willingly went so that we might be forgiven and be given eternal life.  Help us to willingly answer your call to share your love with everyone we meet, that they too may be given eternal life.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Rev. Matthew D. Roeglin – Blessed Savior Lutheran Church