Refuge
March 19, 2023
AS WE GATHER
Picture what David must have felt as he wrote the words of today’s psalm. David was relentlessly chased by King Saul and members of his army. Fearing for his life, and outnumbered by his pursuers, David hides in caves. Feeling imprisoned, David knows that all he can do in the face of seemingly hopeless danger is depend on His Lord and God. So David writes, “I cry to You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living’” (Psalm 142:5). When you feel like David, encircled by the worries, cares, and sin of this world, know that you are not helpless. Your help is in the Lord. In Christ, your refuge, you have comfort, peace, and forgiveness.
Jesus, refuge of the weary,
Blest Redeemer, whom we love,
Fountain in life’s desert dreary,
Savior from the world above:
Often have Your eyes, offended,
Gazed upon the sinner’s fall;
Yet upon the cross extended,
You have borne the pain of all. LSB 423:1
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 42:14-21
EPISTLE READING: Ephesians 5:8-14
HOLY GOSPEL: John 9:1-7, 13-17, 34-39