Preparing for Worship - March 6, 2022

The Lenten season begins on March 2, Ash Wednesday. The focus in this season is on what it took for Jesus to win His victory over sin and Satan and death for our sake and our eternal salvation.

The Old Testament lesson is from Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and is a reminder to God’s people, as they enter the promised land and enjoy its blessings, to take a basket of the first of the fruit they receive and offer it to the Lord. They are to remember all the good that the Lord has given them, as His gift, and to worship Him with thanksgiving.

The Psalm is Psalm 91:1-13. The Psalmist reminds God’s people that as they live in shelter of the Lord Most High and trust in Him, He will care for them and deliver them from many troubles and His angels will guard them, too.

The Epistle lesson is from Romans 10:8b-13. Paul speaks of the Word of God, the Word of faith that centers in Jesus and needs to be in our mouths and hearts. One scholar calls it the Word that calls us to faith, but also creates that faith in us, as we hear the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus. That Gospel is the power of God for salvation for all who believe. See Romans 1:16-17.

The Gospel lesson is from Luke 4:1-13 and describes the battle between Jesus and the devil, as the devil tempts Him to go against the will of God. Jesus continually uses and follows the Word of God, as the devil tries to get Him to do wrong. The devil finally retreats and waits for more opportunities to tempt and test Jesus, as the battle continued throughout the ministry of Jesus.