THE WORD 4 ev 1

Good morning. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In a couple of hours, here at Epiphany, people will gather at the church before work and the day’s activities begin. There we will have a short service of confession. That is what this day is about—our need to confess and repent. Each person will be marked with a double sign of death—ashes and a cross. We will wear this sign today upon our foreheads and it will be upon our hearts until Easter. We will yearn for the day of resurrection even as we walk the path of death; for one day this body of dust and ashes will be redeemed. The mark you wear today—the cross of Christ—is proof of that.

For the next 46 days or so, I invite you to utilize the devotional series provided by LHM (below). I will enjoy the chance to journey with you to the cross of our Lord. Along that path, if you should have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to share. Because like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, I pray that the Lord be revealed to us in amazing ways this Lenten journey.

Remember, child of God, from dust you are and to dust you shall return.

Pastor Aaron

Luke 24:13-18 - Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus,about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everythingthat had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, JesusHimself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still,their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

He (Jesus) said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all thatthe prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enterHis glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them whatwas said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:25-27).

Later in the day on Easter Sunday, two followers of Jesus are walking along the road to Emmaus when they are joined by a stranger—Jesus. They are still having a difficult timetrying to process what they know about the crucifixion as well as what they’ve heardabout the empty tomb, the women, angels, and resurrection.

Although He chides them a bit at first, on this walk to Emmaus, Jesus once more gently reveals to them what the Scriptures have to say about Him and His work. Later, theyinvite Jesus to stay the night with them and, over dinner, He takes bread and wine, andthe men’s eyes are opened and they recognize Him.

God’s blessings to you as you continue walking with Jesus, allowing Him to lead and
reveal His magnificent plan for your life.

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for walking beside me daily. Enable me to follow
where You lead. Amen.