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Today's Lenten Devotion
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A Wonderful Life
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
-- Revelation 22:16-17
Since Ash Wednesday, we have come a long way. The Service, over forty days ago, reminded us that we come from dust and to dust we would return, that our time in this World is short. In our devotions and meditations, we followed the light on a narrow trail through a blizzard in Buffalo, heard about a 65 year old English Vicar called Home, considered what TGIF means, thought about a 16 year old organ donor and adopted Mary Magdalene as the patron saint of those in the 'tween times, between grief and resurrected joy.
We've arrived at Easter Sunday, the fulfillment of our Lenten Walk. Easter is also the fulfillment of the prophets' promises, because it is the yearly reminder that the Gospel is all-true. Easter isn't a kitschy parade with hats, egg hunts, or baskets filled with candy. It is when we remember the first Easter, the Empty Tomb and the Promise kept. Since then, generation after generation learns that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, that Jesus is the Word that came and dwelled with us, for a time.
And the Word calls out to you.
"Come", we’re all invited. "Come", drink the water that satisfies, the water that is free but purchased with our Savior's precious blood. Listen to the call from the Branch of Jesse's Root. Come to where all are sisters and brothers, where separation has no meaning. Come to the feast.
But you must believe.
I know the benefits I gained through Christ. At every Service, God's many gifts overflow in my heart. The feeling of wellness, the optimism streaming into my soul like the sunshine pouring into the Sanctuary of a Sunday morning, and the knowledge that the bitter separations of this world will soon be forgotten. God, of course, doesn’t need my works or my offerings. A thousand angels fly from dawn to dusk at His command. But, as John Milton said, I also serve as I stand and wait for the chance to be His tool.
I do not know His special gifts for you. But I know that if you listen, very carefully, you will hear His voice. His is calling to you, "Come". He invites you to the Feast of Joy and Gladness. He heals the wounds of this life and binds you up. He asks you to live your life as a child of the Light and turn away from the Darkness. He calls you to believe.
The Angels bring testimony to you.
The Bright Morning Star will come to guide you.
The Water of Life overflows for you.
Jump in!
Jesus, thank you for the truths you revealed to us during Lent. Thank you for the opportunity to bear witness. Thank you for your Love and Mercy, when we did not know you or turned away from the path you showed us. O Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you for this Wonderful Life.
Amen.
Dennis Blazak
Joyjoywrld57@msn.com
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