Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 15, 2024
- Dr. Kate Wiskus
- Feb 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Date: Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Scripture Text: Luke 9:22-25
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”
Breaking the text open – background and summary:
The gospel text for today from Luke recounts Jesus’ 1st prediction of His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Then Jesus tell those who wish to follow Him that it will involve sacrifice and suffering. He shares the irony of salvation – “whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” It is understandable, though, when we think of Jesus’ mission and selfless gift to us.
Meditating on the text with personal questions:
As I begin my Lenten journey, am I able and willing to give my whole self to my journey in, with and through Christ? Can I set down my desires for Christ’s desires for me? Am I willing and able to walk with Christ in the Spirit wherever He leads me?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten and most beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us, to take on our human nature, to redeem us and reconcile us to You. This Lent, as we seek anew to claim our discipleship and to follow closely in the footsteps of Christ as His disciples, we beg that You send the Spirit to guide us, to grace us, and to sustain us. Grant that we may pick up our individual crosses and join our suffering to that of your beloved Son. Help us to lose ourselves in love of You and all your daughters and sons. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.
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