Lenten Devotion 2023

TESTIMONY: (Written by Sherrie Escoe)

Jesus had compassion. I had to stop and think – what is compassion? Is it love, empathy, kindness? It is those things, but it’s much more. Compassion is the feeling that arises within us when we learn of someone’s suffering AND are motivated to do something. The word literally means to suffer together.

 As I reflect on the words of Jesus, I realize I completely underestimate the personal aspect of His compassion. Yes, He has compassion for my family, my friends, and my pastor, but compassion for me? Why did Jesus have compassion on the crowds? Not because they were doing or even trying, which is like the idea of control- a continuous doing, a means to move things in the direction I want them to go. No, He had compassion because they were harassed and helpless. I can relate to feeling harassed and helpless. I feel it more often than I want to admit. Jesus’ desire is for us to come to Him. He promises rest. It also gives way for Him to work out our suffering in the best way.

The next time you feel tired, worried, or even abandoned, rememberGod’s compassion. You are known by your Creator. He actively orchestrates all things for your good. He’s already shown us His perfect and ultimate display of compassion in Jesus. He gave His life as the payment for our transgressions, and He’s created an eternal life so incredible, we can’t even grasp its wonder. So, as we wait in our weakness, let’s remember God is with us. He knows you and showers His compassion on you every day. Let’s actively look for it, receive it, and pass it on.

RESPOND:

1. How have you experienced God’s compassion?
2. Where are opportunities for you to show compassion for others, to suffer together?
3. What are some ways you can be still and accept God’s unlimited faithfulness?

PRAYER:

Abba Father, Because You love us – the helpless ones – we are not consumed. I’m incredibly grateful your compassions are unlimited. They are brand new every morning I wake up; not because of anything I do or feel, but because of Your great faithfulness to me. Your unfailing love is too much for me to grasp. Help me to live in your faithfulness.

In Jesus,
Amen

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

SCRIPTURE:

¹⁸ “I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20

REFLECTION:

Consider the state of this son, the state of his heart, the defeat of his soul. Imagine his thoughts as he rehearses his dreaded, shameful return: “I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.”

 *****

I’ve wavered and gone astray. I don’t deserve anything you offer. You were willing to love me and to help me, but I needed to go my own way. It was all for nothing. But, I can’t live without you, my Father. I know you’ll tell me ‘no’, but please – all I ask is for the place of a servant. Just let me serve you and your household.

Then suddenly, in the midst of rehearsing these words, I look up and see my Father. Shame takes course; I know now this will be harder than I thought. I want to run back again, but I know I can’t – I know there’s nothing for me there. I look a little harder and I see . . . arms reaching, Father running, and I hear words of invitation, not condemnation. What do I see? I stop.

I’m stunned. Maybe he thinks I’m someone else. Should I turn and run before disappointment hits him and he realizes who I am? He runs harder toward me and meets me and sees me and wraps himself around me. I’m speechless; I melt in my Father’s embrace. How could it be? How could he offer me such an embrace after all I’ve done? Who does he see in me?

*****

This is just one story of one son and Father. The ultimate story is the story in which we live as the sons and daughters of our Father who is love. His compassion for us was expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of our Christ. This story is living; this story is our story. His arms are open for you and me. Let’s receive His embrace and live and love in the way of Jesus Christ our brother and Savior.

RESPOND:

1. How have you embraced the compassion God has for you?
2. Is there anything that hinders you from receiving compassion offered to you?
3. How might you live more compassionately towards others?

PRAYER:

Father, who waits with loving, arms open towards me, what could I bring to you? What could I do to make up for all I have squandered away? There’s simply nothing. I hear your invitation to receive the grace you offer. Enable me to receive, and grant me the courage to believe in the offer of your free grace, and from that space, may your compassion flow through me. God, give me eyes of compassion to see your image in others. Grant me inner kindness that reaches towards each person around me, free of judgment and full of love. Have your way in me Lord, have your way through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”

RESPOND:

1. How does this image evoke the compassion of Jesus?
2. Rest in His love in action.

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist

REFLECT AND PRAY:
PSALM 103

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
⁶ The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
¹⁹ The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
²⁰ Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
²¹ Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
²² Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, my soul.

Sanctuary Lent 2023 Spotify Playlist