We are now on our Lenten journey, this Sunday being the Second Sunday of Lent. Today’s Readings are a call to repentance, and also show the boldness and importance of standing on the will of the Lord.

Today’s First Reading, Jeremiah 26:8-15, is an account of Jeremiah’s message to the people of his day, they had wandered away from the Lord and had turned to false gods and false ways. Jeremiah called them to repentance, warning them that if they did not repent, the Lord would bring punishment on them. The people did not want to hear that message, and threatened to kill Jeremiah. Notice that he would not back down in proclaiming the message of the Lord, even in the face of martrydom.

Where today must we take a stand for the Lord, even if it means that people will turn against us? May we have the boldness of Jeremiah to proclaim the will and ways of the Lord, even in the face of opposition.

Heavenly Father, like Jeremiah we live in a world of people who turn from You and go their own ways. Give us Your wisdom, compassion, and strength to proclaim Your message, calling all, including ourselves, to turn from sin and to receive forgiveness in Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s psalm, Psalm 4, is a psalm of confidence in the Lord, even in the face of those who oppose the Lord. Notice that the psalmist realizes that he is safe in the Lord, and can rest in God’s faithfulness. May we do the same.

Almighty God, give us the peace and comfort of the psalmist, knowing that You are ultimately in charge of all things, and that we are safe in Your hands through Jesus. Keep us calm and assured in Him. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s Second Reading, Philippians 3:17-4:1, is a warning from the apostle Paul about those who turn from the Lord to their own sinful appetites. Do his words sound like he is describing our world today? But notice also Paul’s call to all of us to remain steadfast in the Lord. May we heed Paul’s words.

Lord Jesus, keep us in You each day of our lives. Turn us away from the sinful ways of the world, always trusting in You to give us life and salvation. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

The Gospel is Luke 13:31-35. In this passage Jesus is warned that Herod wants to kill Him; this is the same Herod who had John the Baptist murdered. Jesus is in real danger! Notice His response, He does not run and hide, He does not curse Herod, rather He continues to do what His ministry calls Him to do.

Jesus then talks about His impending death in Jerusalem. Again, notice He does not condemn the city, rather He would gather the people of the city in His arms in a loving embrace. What love Jesus has! May we love others as Jesus does,

Lord Jesus, You love like no other. We thank You that You love us, even when we are not very lovable. We thank You that You died and rose again to redeem us, even though we are not worthy. Enable us to love others as You do, embracing them with Your love, and gathering them to You. In Your Name we pray. Amen.