Home > Reading > NALC Lenten Devotion – March 3, 2017

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 7:12-16; Titus 2:1-15; John 1:35-42

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:35-42).

The more we know about the biblical basis for the “Sunday liturgy” the more we will appreciate that this traditional, historical, ancient form of worship is nothing other than the words of Holy Scripture. I cringe a little when I am in a worship service containing bits and pieces written by a biblically liberal pastor working for a biblically liberal church publishing house! They are often empty, misdirected and unable to speak for our deepest human needs and yearning for repentance, confession, forgiveness, mercy and the one true God. Give me Scripture, and only Scripture, in our worship! Give me the words Jews and Christians have spoken and prayed for thousands of years—and these will resonate deep in our souls.

At the moment in our Sunday worship when the Words of Institution have been spoken and Christ is truly present in, with and under the forms of bread and wine in Holy Communion, we then sing the Agnus Dei (Latin for “Lamb of God”). We are acknowledging that the Lamb of God is with us, even as John the Baptizer pointed to Jesus and immediately, the two disciples turned from being John’s disciples and now followed Jesus!

The reality of Jesus’ presence with us in Word and Sacrament means that we take the place of John in our worship, pointing to Jesus, declaring “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Jesus is present, and our proclamation is intended to point him out, hoping that all will see him in the Lord’s Supper and then come, follow Jesus!

Prayer: Jesus, Lamb of God, come to us, forgive us our sins and grant us peace. Amen.

Lenten Response: If you have the courage, point to the Body and Blood of Jesus on Sunday as we sing, “Lamb of God.”

Today’s devotion was written by the Rev. Dr. David M. Wendel, Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry and Ecumenism.


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Video of each day’s devotion is available here. The 2017 Lenten Devotional, based on Year I of the LBW and written by Pastor David Wendel, is available for download/printing in two formats and as a daily text/email message.

8.5″ x 11″ large print version for one- or two-sided printing on letter-sized paper

8.5″ x 11″ booklet (folds to 5.5″ x 8.5″) designed for two-sided printing on letter-sized paper

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