VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11)
505; 657; 572*; 544; 454 in Lutheran Service Book
170; 297; 275; 117 in Lutheran Worship
Meditate on and learn by heart the hymn marked with an asterisk (*).
505: Triune God, Be Thou Our Stay
657: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
572*: In the Shattered Bliss of Eden
544: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
454: Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle
Psalm 32:1-7
In this psalm King David highlights the blessing of forgiveness and the removal of guilt. He so treasured this generous gift that he urged others also to confess their sins so that they too would receive God’s mercy. The oppressiveness and isolation of guilt are a terrible burden none of us need carry. That burden is removed as we repent and hear God’s words of compassion and love. His mercy and love will never fail. Trust him!
Genesis 3:1-21
The record of the fall into sin reminds us that the ultimate cause of all our problems was the rebellion of our first parents against a loving God. Through the serpent’s craftiness Eve was persuaded she could improve on perfection by doing what God had forbidden. When Adam followed her lead and ate, the fate of humanity was sealed. We became heirs of sin and death. Even before he spoke the curse on Eve and Adam, though, in cursing Satan God promised humanity redemption and deliverance by the Seed of the woman. What a merciful and loving God.
Romans 5:12-19
“Just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous” (v. 19). This verse explains the significance of the events described in the Gospel reading. Jesus’ victory over Satan in the temptations, and throughout his life, is a necessary part of reversing the curse of sin. Thank God for what he planned, and accomplished, in Christ.
Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus “was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Heb. 4:15). He was tempted to doubt God’s loving provision of his every need. He was tempted to test God’s love by reckless behavior. He was tempted to pursue riches and wealth in this world in place of God. Other temptations, too, would come, but Jesus resisted them all for us—in our place. This reading shows Jesus’ love for us, becoming subject to hardship and temptation in order to rescue us from the results of our sin. What marvelous love! He certainly has earned our loving trust.
| Monday | Job 12:1-6, 12-25 | John 5:30-47 |
| Tuesday | Job 13:1-12 | John 6:1-21 |
| Wednesday | Genesis 1:1-19 | Mark 1:1-13 |
| Thursday | Genesis 1:20-2:3 | Mark 1:14-28 |
| Friday | Genesis 2:4-25 | Mark 1:29-45 |
| Saturday | Genesis 3:1-24 | Mark 2:1-17 |
| Sunday | Genesis 4:1-26 | Mark 2:18-28 |
CONFESSION: How Christians should be taught to confess
What is Confession? Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.
THE COLLECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY [First Sunday in Lent] “O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” AMEN!
