Lenten Devotional, Day 4, Meditating Under the Cross

#Lentendevotional, Day 4

Lent is an extended practice in meditation. The fourth-century father, Ambrose, once noted that “looking on Jesus will strengthen patience under the cross of Christ.” How often do we take time during the year to meditate under the cross of Christ? We may say we think of the cross, we may hear an occasional sermon on the cross, but when do we make the cross the sine qua non of our faith?

The Psalmist took the time to meditate:
“Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.”

It is the call of the church to take time and ponder the love of God; to meditate on his continual, steadfast affection for his people. And no love is greater than the love that would give his life for the sake of a people (Jn. 10:15). Thus, to meditate during Lent is to look deeply at the cross of Jesus; to strengthen our patience, and to train ourselves in the habits of love.

We cannot think about the birth, the cross, the empty grave, and the ascension simultaneously. Thus, the church structures the year in a way where each part of Jesus’ life is emphasized. In other words, the calendar gives us the opportunity to meditate on the whole Christ.

In particular, Lent is a corporate focus on the cross of Christ and the journey to that cruel tree. As we face with boldness the next thirty-seven days, we need to remember that Lent is a gift of time that we are to steward well.

As we prepare for worship this coming Lord’s Day, we would do well to remember God’s unfailing love. In love, our Lord Jesus gave his body for us that we would be made whole. Use this season to contemplate the blessedness of Jesus who offered his body and blood for our salvation. Indeed there is no greater love known to man than the death of the God/Man for man’s everlasting life.

Prayer: O blessed Jesus, whose life was given for us and whose blood was shed for our redemption, have mercy on us. We forget your love too often; we are selfish with your time and your cross is so easily removed from our meditation. But do not forget us, O Lord. Our hope is in you. Our life is in you. While we too often seek the love of other things, You never cease to love us. Keep us close to the cross for under that tree of death we will find the fullness of your life through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Hymn of the Day: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross