Tuesday of the Week of Lent II
Today’s readings: Jeremiah 2:1-13, 29-32; Romans 1:16-25; John 4:43-54
“This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee” (John 4:54).
In the Gospel of John, we hear about people wanting signs in order to believe. The first sign is Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This passage includes the second: the healing of the official’s son who was ill. Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”
We’re not all from Missouri, the “show-me” state, but most today hold that “seeing is believing.” People want proof, evidence—something they can see and touch to know and believe.
Where are the signs of God’s presence among us today? One might point to a number of signs of God’s presence in one’s life. But we have been given certain signs as we live on this side of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension; signs that are clear, visible and real. The miracle of Christ’s presence among us today are Word and Sacrament—the means of grace!
Christ is the Word made flesh to dwell among us, full of grace and truth. Jesus sends His Holy Spirit to descend upon the newly baptized that they may be born anew by water and the Spirit. Jesus promises, “This is my Body, this is my Blood,” when we “do this in remembrance of Him.” When someone asks us where we see Christ present in the world today, we can open God’s Word. We can bring them to the baptismal font. We can invite them to be present at the Lord’s Supper, where the faithful receive Jesus, truly present to offer forgiveness, life and salvation!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the signs of your risen presence among us—as you come to us in Word and Sacrament! Amen.
Lenten Response: Write “The Word made flesh, living with me” on a sticky note. Put it on your Bible, to remain there throughout Lent.
Today’s devotion was written by the Rev. Dr. David M. Wendel, Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry and Ecumenism.
Click video to play.
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.