Second Friday in Lent Devotion

Thanksgiving                                                 Second Friday in Lent - February 26, 2021

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:29) 

LSB 420 – Christ, the Life of All the Living

(The repeated ending of this week’s hymn served as inspiration for today’s devotion.)

In this week’s hymn, Christ, the Life of all the Living, each verse ends with the words, Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto Thee. Each verse gives us a glimpse into what Jesus willingly walked through on our behalf. He did it all because of how deeply He loves each and every one of us. Each step, each action, that brings to life our forgiveness and salvation gives us reason to be thankful and return that thanks to Jesus.

Each of us has experienced special events in our lives that show the mercy and power of God at work. Are you thankful for a recovery that happened to you or a loved one recently, or long ago? What other blessings have you received beyond your expectation? Were you spared serious injury in an accident? Have you had a close experience with death? What about the day you were baptized? What about the moments that you kneel at the altar and receive the body and blood of Jesus? We do not deserve the gifts for which we are thankful. Instead, God has blessed us with His undeserved grace. The ability to be thankful is a gift from God. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the faith to recognize the gifts, the Giver, and also that he has given them out of His love.

Look at the cross of Jesus Christ. This is how much God loves you! Because of Jesus, we can return our thanks to Him every day, because His steadfast love never comes to an end!

Prayer 

Almighty God, Your mercies are new every morning and You graciously provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience all our days; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Rev. Nathan Ruback – Grace Lutheran Chapel