by Hillary Krahn Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” - Psalm 50:14-15 I have two sons. As with any family, each son has their own likes and personality. One of
my sons is a little calmer, a little more introverted, and doesn't love the great outdoors and working with his hands like his brother. He’s more into computers and games, reading and indoor time. The other son is quick-tempered, outgoing, and loves hard work. He tells us that he wants to grow up and work out in the sun doing construction. If I were to ask them to bring me their laundry, one would collect their hamper willingly, the other would do so with more of an attitude. If I was to point out the difference in the way they did so, the quick-tempered child would complain that I always put him last and blame his brother. We see this same situation play out in the Old Testament. In Genesis 4, we see Cain and Abel, God’s children bringing sacrifices to him. Cain and Abel were different in their personalities and preferences just like my sons. Abel was more of a gentle son, caring for sheep. Cain liked the hard work, working in the fields, and clearly quick-tempered. Cain and Abel remind us that if the sacrifice is not done from the heart, out of our love for our creator, then the sacrifice is not pleasing to the Lord. One of the brothers gave from their heart, one didn’t, do you remember the outcome? During Lent, I ask you to examine yourself. Where is your heart when you are making a sacrifice for God? Do you stop to examine why you’re making that sacrifice? Are you quick-tempered like Cain, or do you bring offerings to God with a glad heart. The Psalmist urges us to sacrifice with thanksgiving and to call upon God in times of need. Lent is a time of both sacrifice and sorrows. We see our Lord and Savior, Jesus, brought through heart wrenching trials and he pays the ultimate price. He too calls upon the Father in his time of need, and he carries out God’s plan willingly. During this season we can reflect upon our own trials, maybe even making sacrifices for the season. Will we remember to call upon God and praise him with thanksgiving? Or will we forget who our sacrifices are for? We can be assured that when we sacrifice with our heart, when we call upon God, He is there for us! Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise, thank, and glorify your name. Thank you for being there for us in our times of trouble. May we come to you with glad hearts, making all sacrifices out of love for you. In Jesus name. Amen.
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About the AuthorsThe authors of this Lenten devotional are all staff members of Zion Lutheran Church & School of Wayside. They have answered the call to preach and teach the good news of salvation to both the young and the old of the school and congregation. This group of believers have a strong faith rooted in the Word. They are all members of the church professing the Christian faith and are excited to share their love of Jesus with you during this season. Archives
January 2025
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