Devotional thoughts for Tuesday

Tuesday 24. February 2015 

The 6. Day of Lent 

Jesus appointed twelve whom He named apostles so that they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach.  (Mark 3,14) 

Jesus is Israel reduced to one. He lives the life of Israel and does what Israel failed to do. Old Testament Israel had twelve patriarch who became the twelve tribes that comprised the nation. New Testament Israel likewise has twelve apostles who became the foundation for the Church. 

Jesus called twelve of His disciples to be apostles. They were sent out to preach the gospel. They furthered the reign of Jesus. The Book of Acts tells us that when the apostles established new churches they ordained bishops to preach. We commonly call such bishops pastors today. The task of the pastoral office is to preach the gospel and in doing so to further the reign of Jesus. 

Lent reminds us of what that preached gospel is: Jesus was crucified as the payment for our sin, and then He rose from His grave on the third day as the first fruits of our resurrection on the last day. The gospel assures us that sin, death and the grave have been overcome by Jesus. His victory is our victory. 

Prayer: O Almighty and Eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan, and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  Amen. (B63, Treasury of Daily Prayer)