Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang
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Lent Devotion

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"At the Foot of the Cross" is an annual Lenten devotion written by clergy and lay leaders in the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. This devotion has been faithfully produced since 1992 and this year's theme is on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Join us as we journey together towards the foot of the cross.

 
 

05 March - A Thessalonian Benediction

 

“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

 

In today’s devotion, we can see three ways that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ helps us.

First, together with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, he leads and directs our paths.

Next, he infuses his love into our hearts so that we may learn to love others in the same unconditional way that he loves us.

Finally, our Lord Jesus strengthens and prepares us so that we can be found “spotless” when he returns in all his glory.

‘Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way…’ (v.11, ESV). Even the great Apostle Paul depended on the Holy Spirit for direction and leading. This world can be a confusing place to navigate especially if you are a Christian. There are many choices, directions and options for us to grapple with every day, so it is comforting to know that the Lord of the universe is ever willing to guide us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says it like this, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

‘May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all…’ (v.12, ESV). Isn’t this the core of the gospel? The essence of Christianity? Love. How often we must be reminded to love one another. To forgive one another? To be merciful to one another? For many, this simple command of Jesus, ‘to love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34) is easier said than done! Lent is the perfect opportunity to “abound in love” by our thoughts, words and actions.

‘…so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness…at the coming of our Lord Jesus…’ (v.13, ESV) Did you know that after you received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, he began a process to make you holy? The theological term is “sanctification”. God is in the business of transformations! Just like he uses pressure and heat to change coals into diamonds, he is changing us daily into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!

What a beautiful benediction Paul has bestowed upon the saints in Thessalonica. May we too take great assurance in this blessing.

PONDER

Isn’t most of the difficulties and conflicts we face a result of not seeking God’s direction for our lives, not “abounding in love” for one another and not allowing the Holy Spirit to complete his work of sanctification in us?

PROMISE

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

PRAYER

Gracious Father, direct my way today, help me to abound in love and give me the grace to conform to your process of being made “blameless in holiness” for your return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Article by the Reverend Dr Vijendra Daniel, Vicar of St Barnabas’ Church, Klang.

HTBB