Daily Reading
Reflection
Isaiah speaks of the Messiah who will deliver God's people. His prophecy brings to mind Handle's Messiah; but under the majestic music is the reality of the Messiah's embrace of suffering. Isaiah's first audience is a people in exile, to whom he gives hope for God's ancient promise of restoration. But the text isn't impressive and it isn't triumphant: there's brutal rejection and intense anguish on the journey to redemption and deliverance.
For us, the idea and reality of suffering invariably generate a desire to quickly avoid, flee, or fix. So why would anyone embrace suffering? Why would I? For a worthwhile goal, I might choose temporary suffering; for one I love deeply I would take the hit; for a compelling cause, I could endure hardship. But Isaiah speaks of one who takes on himself the punishment of a people who reject him, who willfully find their identity and meaning in something other than God, who gave them identity and meaning. Though they rejected God, he promises deliverance.
This is his Lenten path, and as we travel it, we embrace Christ's suffering as our own. The suffering of Lent is a far cry from a casual relinquishing of a conventional indulgence for 40 days. It is an intentional and meditative participation in the journey to death and redemption, a way to bring the necessity and the enormity of Jesus' sacrifice into 3D surround sound for a portion of the year.
Lord, give me eyes to see and the imagination to acknowledge that Jesus' journey to the cross is made necessary by my rejection of God's claim on my life. I get my meaning and identity in my status, my comfort, or something else that gives my life meaning on my own terms. Make me willing and able to repent and follow you. Amen
Daily Worship Resources
Daily Office Readings come from the Book of Common Prayer, a schedule of daily Bible reading that accords with the Church year. These readings are great worship resources for personal, family, or group use. Use it along with your City Church Worship Folder as a resource for readings, prayers, and hymns.
Printable Devotion