Friday Ember Day after Invocavit Sunday
Posted on March 11, 2022 by under
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-15 (NKJV)
10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.
Devotion
Following in line with Sunday’s Gospel text and purposely beginning our repentant season of Lent, this week’s texts have dealt with temptations, being tested, and displaying faithfulness. Our text for today follows suit. It is a great warning against haughtiness (which means, “thinking too much of oneself”) and idolatry (which is breaking the First Commandment, namely, determining what is more important than God; especially oneself).
Being told to not trust in the flesh, or that the flesh must be put to death, or taking heed lest you fall, doesn’t appeal to our old man, who always wants to think more highly of himself. A “presumed righteousness” is what Luther said that the old nature possesses. But all of that putting down of the flesh is meant to build up the New Man—to put total trust in the One who was tempted and overcame in your place. He is the One who was tested and remained perfect for you, and the only faithful One who humbled Himself to create the way of righteousness in fleeing to Him through faith. Christ and His fully atoning merits for the forgiveness of sins is the only way of escape, that you may be able to bear what comes your way. Yet again God comes to the rescue of man from himself! And, behold, look at who He fixes all eyes on? Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith!
Prayer: O Lord, mercifully hear our prayer, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to defend us from them that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for Ember Friday
O Lord, be gracious to Thy people, and as Thou makest them devoted to Thee, in Thy mercy comfort them with Thy kind assistance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with the Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
