Home > Reading > NALC Lenten Devotion – March 6, 2017

Monday of the Week of Lent I

Today’s Readings: Deuteronomy 8:1-20; Hebrews 2:11-18; John 2:1-12

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you'” (John 2:5).

This passage usually appears on Sunday morning during the season of Epiphany, as the signs Jesus did begin to reveal who he is. In the season of Lent, it may speak a somewhat different word.

Certainly, it is undeniable that this is one of the “signs” Jesus did to “manifest his glory, that people would believe in him.” But I’m often drawn, as well, to Mary’s instruction to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Isn’t this a valuable word to us, especially in the season of Lent? Do whatever he tells you!

Most will remember the “WWJD” campaign a few years ago, when small rubber bracelets were sold to remind people to ask themselves, “Now, what would Jesus do in this situation?” Does that mean I’m supposed to consider what I think Jesus would do, and then try to do it? Some people think Jesus would or wouldn’t do this or that. And then, can I really do what Jesus did? Jesus was the Son of God; we are sinful human beings. I would prefer to hear and heed Mary’s instruction: “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”

And what does Jesus tell you to do? Read the Scriptures. There is too much to list it all here, but there are some things easily recounted: come, follow me; love one another as I have loved you; abide in my word; receive the Holy Spirit; do this in remembrance of me; go, make disciples, baptize, teach. We could go on. The point is, as disciples and followers of Jesus, we are not free to do as we wish. We are to do whatever Jesus tells us. We are to do what he commands us—commissions us to do!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to do whatever you tell me to—as you speak to me through the Holy Bible! Amen.

Lenten Response: What is one thing Jesus tells us to do—that you aren’t? Make this your Lenten focus.

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

To receive daily devotionals via SMS, please text @NALCLENT to 614-682-8693.

To receive daily devotionals via email, please visit: NALC Lenten Devotional.

The 2017 Lenten Devotional is also available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for NALC WALK OF FAITH. If you already have the NALC Walk of Faith app, just update it by clicking the “download” button next to the devotional for Lent.

 

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