“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
–Mark 8:34-35
The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.
Sunday’s Worship Music
The traditional services feature the hymn All My Hope on God Is Founded (ELW 757). This second Sunday in Lent we are reminded that God’s ways are not our ways as Jesus rebukes Peter for his reaction to the path to the cross. We sing in the Hymn of the Day “Mortal pride and earthly glory, sword and crown betray our trust.” What surprising ways does God’s grace break into your life?
The New Day Praise service features the worship song is Shine, Jesus, Shine. Singing lyrics like … Tell me, once again, Who I am to You, who I am to You, Tell me, lest I forget, Who I am to You … reminds us of our connecgtion to Jesus, and our identity as children of God.
Preaching Theme
This Little Light of Mine.
For Your Home Devotions:
Where are the places in your life where you live in denial, because the truth is simply too painful for you?
How might you better resolve that pain?
Does Jesus promise us a pain-free life?
