by Desiree Bustamante

As Lent approaches, it’s time to reflect on God’s covenant promise of our Savior.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 1:2-4 New Living Translation

The Christmas season is over. You might wonder why I used this picture of an outdoor nativity scene two days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

There are many prophecies in the Bible that point to a savior who would rescue all of mankind from sin and death. This prophecy was not fully understood at the time in which it was given. Many thought the Messiah would come and rescue Israel so they would become  a mighty nation on earth. But God had a greater plan in mind, to save all people from sin and death.

This prophecy didn’t involve a king with a royal pedigree and riches. Jesus humbled himself to be a baby born in a manger, to parents of meager means and endangered by rulers who felt threatened by the prophecy of an earthly king. All throughout his ministry, Jesus humbly obeyed God all the way to the cross, where He defeated his enemies and now reigns on His heavenly throne.

We can’t preach Christ crucified and resurrected without remembering the modest beginnings of his birth and the covenant promise fulfilled by this – that Immanuel would save His people from sin and eternal death.

As Ash Wednesday approaches, I pray that you would reflect on God’s amazing covenant promises that are spread throughout Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus, and may this prepare you for the upcoming season of Lent.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado