Lent Devotional February 17, 2024

Lenten Devotional February 17, 2024

Scripture

Philippians 4:10-20

10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.

15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Devotion

The Rev. Dr. William Zachery Jr. ’12

It is no secret the religion of Jesus usually receives bad reviews. Some say, “It promotes a mythical utopianism.” This religion does not espouse ideas of false hope. It seeks to bring harmony into the world. If there was ever a time we needed this kind of reconciliation, it is now.

The religion of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus Christ seeks true peace. A true sign of a thriving civilization is one which excels at industry, technology, governing, and culture. There are times when it seems we are living with corporate, innovative (A.I.), congressional, and social/cultural decay. Everyone, it seems, is chasing after materialistic increase. They seek this through the acquisition of power. Most are not satisfied according to the concurrent blessings of God.

There is nothing wrong with a desire for increase. However, when material increase is one’s sole desire, it quickly turns to idolatrous greed. We must learn how to live with need and abundance. No one wants to exist in want. They say it is undesirable. Everyone wants abundance.

Nevertheless, there is a blessing living with need. It can teach us satisfaction. It can promote humility within our hearts and minds. This is one of the purposes of Lent. It is a time of expectation. It is a time of waiting to see what God is going to do in our life’s circumstances and needs. It is waiting for God’s provision.

What can this season of Lent teach us? It is the hope of true peace. God is shalom in practice. We must learn how to walk out this divine exercise progressively. Some may say, “This is not enough.” However, this season speaks to God’s abundant supply of love for us. He is with us and for us. He is more than enough.

Prayer

God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, help us to walk out your peace. Strengthen us to proclaim and confess you are more than enough during this season of Lent. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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