April 20, 2019
John 19:38-42 New Living Translation (NLT)
Today is the fortieth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.” Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. We have had a full journey over the past forty days in the Word of God. I pray you have been blessed by the Word. For the past month or so, we have highlighted many ways God demonstrates his love for us, but no greater truth can we gain than this: God sent his Son to die for us, so we could experience peace with God. Through the cross, Christ himself has brought peace to us (Ephesians 2:14). When we believe in the atoning work of Christ for our sins, we are offered a vibrant relationship with Almighty God. Have you taken God at his Word about that offer?
Joseph and Nicodemus were secret followers of Christ until Father God called them to go to Pilate and ask for Christ’s body so they could bury it with dignity and respect. The body of Christ was laid in a tomb nearby the cite of crucifixion; a garden tomb. According to Genesis, God gave life to humanity in a garden (Eden), but sin caused hostility with God. Once again in a garden, Christ will give his life as a peace offering, so humanity can have another chance to enjoy a vibrant relationship with God.
During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.