Lent 2024 | Day 39

By Janet Nygren
Day 39 (Friday, Mar 29)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Think about it.

We began the week thinking about dying to our own glory. We’ve thought about how Jesus did that, being obedient to God’s plan to the point of death, even death on a cross. God accepts Jesus’ sacrifice and turns it into glorious resurrection. Peter was a witness of that suffering, as well as the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. It transformed his life. Here, Peter urges us to do the same, being obedient to God’s call to care for his flock, just as Peter himself did. Just as we follow Jesus in his suffering, we follow him in his glory as well, receiving a crown of glory that will never fade away. There’s no need to seek our own glory, as what God offers is so much greater!

Consider.

On this Good Friday we embrace the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus offered on our behalf. He endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). My hope is that through this Lenten study we have come to know Jesus a little better. Like Jesus, as we understand the joy of God’s resurrection power, we are better prepared to endure whatever suffering we have to face as we take up our own cross daily and follow him.

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.” (S.M. Lockridge)

Notes
1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/