Deliver Us from Evil

Lent 20 Covid-19  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Deliver us from Evil
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’”
NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/mat.6.6-13.niv

Life has always been hard—

Hunger, disease, wild animals and wild weather, violence, the scourge of war, the tyranny of slavery. All these things and more have threatened human survival and thriving.
Again and again humanity has been brought to its knees. That we have lived in a time where most of these troubles have avoided our shores, is a blessing. Even without this extra load life isn’t always easy. But in times like this everyone has to face it. And so here we are in this bizarre moment. But at least we are here together. Some of us have lived long enough for various health scares for which vaccines provided relief. Others survived war. I was one of the baby busters who grew up with the constant threat of nuclear war. For others 9/11 and terrorism have cast a shadow. All of us bring our unique experiences of suffering and trial and...

That’s why we need Jesus—

We wish life would be rosy and cozy all the time. We may grow smug and complacent with our own priorities. But Jesus didn’t come to earth just to make your Sunday’s a little more interesting, did he? Jesus came because we are utterly lost without Him. We have science. And i believe it is a gift of God sharing knowledge with us. Allowing our endless curiosity to lead to discoveries. But science is not our savior. It tells us the hard truth at times. But it is also used to destroy. Knowledge is a gift but wisdom is truly a gift from God.
But Jesus comes into our moments of confusion and peril and he takes on the depth of our suffering. In his beautiful and loving way, he turns our sorrow into rejoicing. Through the long night of the soul he is the dawn about to break, pulling us forward. Only Jesus can do that. Only Jesus can deliver us.
And this same Jesus taught us to pray this way.

This prayer serves us well in times of trial and delight—

This passage shows us how Jesus viewed the world. He sees and knows it’s God’s world. That serves us well on the day of our highest high and in between and days of sorrow and suffering. It’s God’s world. No matter how much darkness remains, his light is overcoming it all.
This prayer reminds us of the problem of sin. Sin has infected us all and it will destroy us unless we confess it and reject it in our lives. Only Jesus can forgive. And sin infects our relationships. Pride, lies, gossip and betrayal. All these need the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross. He forgives us and we let that forgiveness flow through to those who have sinned against us. Forgive. It’s the only Christian way. Forgive as we are forgiven. Why add to life’s trials with poison building up inside you? Pray this prayer every day and even throughout the day and keep forgiveness flowing in your life. So powerful.
Trust Jesus to provide for your needs daily. It’s wise to have supplies on hand. But take care of others as well. If you go to Jesus and trust him for all you can worry less. If you worry less you won’t panic. Give us this day our daily bread.
And...

Jesus has inaugurated a Kingdom—

He’s already started bringing salvation and life in the midst of death. If you’re reading Lenten Postcards our devotional guide to lent you’ll read Jesus’ words about bringing resurrection life to bear on the perils of death.
The Kingdom of God is a blessed state of being. Where God rules there is peace, forgiveness and justice and love and health and healing. Let God rule in your mind, emotions and will. That’s a major way that his kingdom comes. So guard your thoughts and focus on the King.
But here’s the amazing thing to remember now:

Jesus is redeeming all of creation—

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/rom.8.22-25.niv
“As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/rom.8.36-39.niv
We are living in a time of trial, but we live it in arms of the prince of peace. The God of all comfort. The risen Lord who has conquered sin and death and hell.
As we wait for every enemy to be put under his feet, we wait in hope.
That doesn’t mean we take any chances with each other’s health. The best way to love most of your neighbors right now is the keep a healthy distance. But bridge that gap with phone calls and live chats. Or even like they did in Italy, singing to each other from balconies and windows.
Be generous. Let’s not horde what people need to thrive during this time. If you have some extra, offer to share with some who don’t.
And we pray for each other. And in this way we carry each other during this time.
Quote:
“We pray the Lord’s Prayer in faith, knowing that we are not helpless. Real and lasting change is possible by the Spirit’s power. We declare that the work that Jesus has begun in our lives and in the world will continue, even when things are gloomy or uncertain. May we find rest and renewal today as we draw closer to our Lord and his prayer. “
NT Wright
I don’t know about you but the last few days have been exhausting. Taking in all the news and checking on everyone to make sure we are ok. But the joy of the Lord is my strength. Today and always. Where would we be without Jesus? Where would we be without each other?
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/php.4.7.niv
Lord, hear our prayer and deliver us from evil. Guide our steps that we live carefully and lovingly during this time. Keep us from temptation as this trial drags on. Help us to forgive and experience forgiveness. But most of all: as no one else can. May your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as in heaven. Even in this challenging days. Surprise us again with taking darkness and transforming it into light. We love you and we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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