Tuesday, March 18 — Psalm 37:16-22, Exodus 23:27-25:9; Matthew 24:36-44
CLICK HERE FOR THE READINGS
S (Scripture): Exodus 24:8
Then Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people, declaring, “Look, this blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you in giving you these instructions.”
O (Observation): This is the blood of the covenant. A confirmation of promises exchanged. "I will be your God and you will be my people....Yes Lord, we will do all that you commanded us."
A (Application): A young preacher once preached his first sermon after being called to take over as the pastor of a large prestigious congregation. One of the most respected pastors and professors of preaching in the nation was in attendance. Shortly after the service the respected pastor and professor was asked what he thought of the young preachers sermon. He added "It didn't have enough blood on it." (meaning the sermon would qualify as a nice speech but didn't bring us into the cost of discipleship.
The image is a good one. Lent often reminds us of the blood and sacrifice that comes in a covenant. And that sacrifice and blood are a two way street. Being in any kind of relationship will cost you something but how many times do you try and dress up your relationship and leave out the hard stuff?
P (Prayer): Lord, remind us of the cost in relationship, that ultimately you gave of yourself completely through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Move us to recognize the blood as a gift of the promised covenant of eternal life.
CLICK HERE FOR THE READINGS
S (Scripture): Exodus 24:8
Then Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people, declaring, “Look, this blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you in giving you these instructions.”
O (Observation): This is the blood of the covenant. A confirmation of promises exchanged. "I will be your God and you will be my people....Yes Lord, we will do all that you commanded us."
A (Application): A young preacher once preached his first sermon after being called to take over as the pastor of a large prestigious congregation. One of the most respected pastors and professors of preaching in the nation was in attendance. Shortly after the service the respected pastor and professor was asked what he thought of the young preachers sermon. He added "It didn't have enough blood on it." (meaning the sermon would qualify as a nice speech but didn't bring us into the cost of discipleship.
The image is a good one. Lent often reminds us of the blood and sacrifice that comes in a covenant. And that sacrifice and blood are a two way street. Being in any kind of relationship will cost you something but how many times do you try and dress up your relationship and leave out the hard stuff?
P (Prayer): Lord, remind us of the cost in relationship, that ultimately you gave of yourself completely through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Move us to recognize the blood as a gift of the promised covenant of eternal life.
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