The theme I heard today was trusting the Father for deliverance & doing His works despite opposition.
Starting again with our gospel passage as the filter with which to read the OT, Jesus is defending His claim to be God’s Son. His works testify to the truth of His claim (and on Easter Sunday we celebrate that greatest validation). But also He reminds us that we should be sons of God too, living in that same vital relationship with the Father.
Our lament from Psalms should be heard as prophetic. Giving voice to Jesus as He faced such hatred and desire to kill Him. He was not cowed. He continues to call on the Lord & trust Him to rescue and vindicate Him. May I too not seek to justify myself or save myself. May I trust the Father who still cares even if my current experience feels like suffering.
Then Jeremiah is also a type of Christ. The weeping prophet gives us fresh insight into what it was like for Jesus to be the suffering servant. It is worthy of worship to think of Him as a human being facing such opposition & the destiny of the suffering of the cross – but still to always be aware of the Father with Him “like a dread warrior” who will prevail.
PRAYER: Lord, today as I look forward to Good Friday & reflect on all your suffering up to & including the cross – help me to trust more. In the midst of suffering & dark times, may I know the presence of the Father. Thank you that you never leave me & in the long view of heaven you always win.
ACTION: Today, take time to look at a crucifix and remember. Then catch yourself when about to complain about something minor. Instead offer your moment of suffering to God as a faithful sacrifice. Trust Him instead.
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