Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?

Call to Prayer

Prayer of Confession

God, in Peter’s betrayal, I see my own. In blindness of soul and hardness of heart, I turn my back on you, full of pride and fear. One glance from your bloodied face and I see my utter failure. Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen. (Prayer based on the Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 28)

*Prayer borrowed from Philip Reinders’ Seeking God’s Face: Praying with the Bible through the Year

Lent Devo: Backyard Pilgrim

Throughout Lent this year we will follow along over the next 40 days with quotes from Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis which gives us a daily Bible Path (the story of God’s redemption) and Parish Path (a literal path through town where you can walk and ponder what God has shown you through his Word).

Day 37: “Choir Master” | Read: Matthew 27:46

BIBLE PATH

Two things must be held together to understand why Jesus cries out:

1. The angst of his question.
2. The answer to which his question points.

Jesus’ question was no inward whisper. It was a choir master’s call. Matthew says that “Jesus cried out in a loud voice” so all could hear. Anyone watching could see the pain from which Jesus’ cry came, but it took Jewish ears to hear its source. Jesus’ question is the opening verse of Psalm 22. Having learned it as a boy, Jesus would have prayed it many times, especially in hard times. And more than a prayer, Psalm 22 was also a well-known song. The music has been lost, but we know the tune’s title: “ The Doe of the Morning.”

Could some of those near the cross have started singing it? Jesus could have said many things in his dying moments. Why did he choose this song, this question? To point us to the answer—to the astonishing wonder of a prophecy detailing Jesus’ crucifixion, his Father’s response, and the fruit to follow.

At the turning point of history, Jesus is crying out the opening line to one of Israel’s best-known ballads for facing death and for believing in God’s redemption.

For you, here I AM . . . asking why?

PARISH PATH: 

Read Psalm 22. It’s a song Jesus practiced singing for thirty-three years—questions he wrestled with his whole life, always trusting his Father for the answers. Now on the brink of death, Jesus is directing a doubting choir to start singing again and to follow where the music leads. A verse is included below, but find time to read the whole song. Do so slowly. Visualize the words. Imagine singing it. On the cross, Jesus gives us the double gift of asking hard questions and prompting us to sing surprising answers.

“For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help” (Psalm 22:24).

Sermon Devo

Our series in James has concluded. Stay tuned for what’s next! 

(p.s. I’m pretty excited about it!)

Evening Prayer of Examen

• Where did you move with or feel close to Jesus today?
• Where did you resist or feel far from Jesus today?
• Where is Jesus leading you tomorrow? Ask for joy as you follow him.

Benediction