Pastor’s Corner

“For Us” 
Our Lenten theme during our midweek services is entitled “for us.” It is a line from the hymn, “O Love, How Deep” (LSB #544). During Lent, we do reflect upon our sins, and we remember Christ has called us to repent of those sins. But more than just concentrating upon us, the season of Lent is especially a time for us to focus upon Christ. 

If you have a moment, try reading through this hymn and reflecting upon all the work Jesus has done for you. This hymn alone mentions that Jesus has done something “for us” on fourteen different occasions. Here are just a few: 

For us baptized, for us He bore 
His holy fast and hungered sore; 
For us temptation sharp He knew; 
For us the tempter overthrew. 

Always remember, everything Jesus went through in His baptism, fasting and temptation was not done for Himself, it was done “for us”. 

For us by wickedness betrayed, 
For us, in crown of thorns arrayed, 
He bore the shameful cross and death; 
For us He gave His dying breath. 

During Lent we focus not just upon our sins, but more importantly, we focus upon Christ and especially what He has done to combat our sins through His death on the cross. 

For us He rose from death again; 
For us he went on high to reign; 
For us He sent His Spirit here 
To guide, to strengthen, and to cheer. 

Even Christ’s resurrection was done “for us.” I pray for all of us that the remaining time we have in this Lenten season can be one in which we focus more and more upon Christ. Everything He did in this world was “for us.” If you ever forget, or just want to remember better, try singing the above hymn every day during Lent, read it, or prayerfully reflect upon it.