Lent Day 25: April 6

This morning's devotion helps us to think about the ways in which we hear God's Word.

Lenten Reflection for Day 25

Date: Wednesday March 6, 2011

Author: Pastor Pat Harris

Bible Passage:

Hebrews 13:7 (NRSV)

⁷ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Reflection:

The Word of God comes two us in two forms: Law and Gospel. The Law shows us our failings, condemns us, convicts us and even has the power to kill the sinner us in. The Gospel part of God’s Word comforts us, restores us, saves us and gives us the promise of eternal life.

We receive the Word of God when we hear Scripture read, when we hear Scripture preached, when we experience Christ in the sacraments, and when Christ comes among us as two or three gather in his name. God uses human beings to preach and proclaim God’s own Word to others. Hearing God’s Word from other people is an important way in which God shapes us and gives us the gift of faith. We come to know the Word of God in a Christian community.

St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) From whom have you heard God’s Word? In what ways have those people been role models for you? How has the hearing of God’s Word affected you? How does hearing God’s Word from others strengthen your faith?

Prayer:

Good and gracious God, I thank you for all those who speak God’s Word to me. May your Word take root in me and thrive and blossom. May your Word strengthen my faith. Amen