Lenten Devotional (Day Thirty Three)

Pastor Patt

Via Dolorosa – Seventh Station – Here Jesus falls Second time

FACT: Even with help, Jesus stumbles and falls to the ground. In deep exhaustion he stares at the earth beneath him. "Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return." He has seen death before. Now he can feel the profound weakness of disability and disease and aging itself, there on his knees, under the weight of his cross.

God’s Word: “Yet he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins. On him lies a punishment that brings unpeace, and through his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).

INSPIRATION: D.M. Stearns was preaching in Philadelphia. At the close of the service a stranger came up to him and said, "I don't like the way you spoke about the cross. I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example." Stearns replied, "If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow Him?" "I certainly would," said the stranger without hesitation. "All right then," said the preacher, "let's take the first step. He did no sin. Can you claim that for yourself?" The man looked confused and somewhat surprised. "Why, no," he said. "I acknowledge that I do sin." Stearns replied, "Then your greatest need is to have a Savior, not an example!"

MEDITATION: I contemplate Jesus brought very low. As I behold him there on the ground, with all the agony taking its toll on him, I let my heart go out to him. I store up this image in my heart, knowing that I will never feel alone in my suffering or in any diminishment, with this image of Jesus on the ground before me. This is for me, so I express the feelings in my he art.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to know the heavy weight of cross you had carried and help us to realize your love for sinners. Heal our broken hearts with your wounds as you had promised in Isaiah. Help us to love more to you daily. In Jesus Name. Amen.