In the Wilderness: A Lenten guide for wandering with the people of God

In the Wilderness
A Lenten guide for wandering with the people of God

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction
The season of Lent is the forty-day period that begins on Ash
Wednesday with the sobering words, “Remember that you are from dust
and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19), and culminates on Easter
Sunday with the great proclamation, “He is Risen!” (Matthew 28:6)
It is modeled after the forty days that Jesus spent fasting in the dusty
wilderness, which itself was modeled after the forty years that the nation
of Israel spent wandering in the wilderness.
Jesus’ forty days were marked by confrontations with the devil,
who he resisted while remaining faithful to his Father, but Israel’s forty
years were marked by one failure after another as they constantly forgot
God and turned away from him. As much as we would like to count
ourselves in the company of Jesus, we often find ourselves in Israel’s shoes
(or perhaps sandals) as we fail time and again.
Throughout this season of Lent, we will journey through the
story of Israel’s wilderness wandering in the book of Numbers. This
guide contains daily scripture readings and reflections for us to consider
as we wander with them. Though we will undoubtedly see ourselves in
their failures, may we also see and experience the gracious heart of the
God who wanders with them—and with us—in the wilderness.

Entering the Wilderness
Lent begins in the middle of the week, on Ash Wednesday. Our
readings this week will draw us into the wilderness setting where
temptations abound, but God is faithful.
Matthew 4 tells the story of Jesus’ forty days of fasting and
facing the devil in the wilderness. Psalm 78 and 106 recall the wonders
that God worked among Israel as he delivered them from Egypt and
provided for them in the wilderness, but even with such blessing and
provision the people quickly forgot God and turned from him.
As you read these passages, consider your own experience.
Is there is a time in your life when you felt like you were
wandering in the wilderness?
How did God provide for you there?
When is it easy to remember God?
When is it easy to forget him?
Give thanks that, despite our failures, Jesus faced the wilderness for us
and defeated it!

Matthew 4:1-11
Wednesday, February 26
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said
to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones
to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on
the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son
of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord
your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and
showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their
splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you
will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away
with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited
on him.

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-19
Thursday, February 27
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done…
In the sight of their ancestors he worked marvels
in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
and made the waters stand like a heap.
In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
and all night long with a fiery light.
He split rocks open in the wilderness,
and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
He made streams come out of the rock,
and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
Yet they sinned still more against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
They tested God in their heart
by demanding the food they craved.
They spoke against God, saying,
“Can God spread a table in the wilderness?

Psalm 106:4-14, 47-48
Friday, February 28
Both we and our ancestors have sinned;
we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly.
Our ancestors, when they were in Egypt,
did not consider your wonderful works;
they did not remember the abundance
of your steadfast love,
but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea.
Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
so that he might make known his mighty power.
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry;
he led them through the deep as through a desert.
So he saved them from the hand of the foe,
and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
The waters covered their adversaries;
not one of them was left.
Then they believed his words;
they sang his praise.
But they soon forgot his works;
they did not wait for his counsel.
But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness,
and put God to the test in the desert…
Save us, O LORD our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
And let all the people say, “Amen.”
Praise the LORD!

Saturday, February 29
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, March 1
Taking Stock
Numbers 1:1-2, 2:1-2
The LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the
tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the
second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt,
saying: Take a census of the whole congregation of Israelites,
in their clans, by ancestral houses, according to the number
of names…
The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: The Israelites
shall camp each in their respective regiments, under ensigns
by their ancestral houses; they shall camp facing the tent of
meeting on every side.
The book of Numbers opens with a census of the whole nation
of Israel. These records are where the book gets its name. As they arrive
in the wilderness, the first thing they need to do is take stock of
themselves – Who all is with us? What state are we in? – Only after
they’ve taken stock of themselves can they proceed to the next step that
we read in chapter two: organizing themselves around the tabernacle.
As they wander in the wilderness, they will keep the tent of meeting—
the dwelling place of God—at their center.

Just as the nation of Israel began their wilderness days by taking
stock and orienting themselves around the Lord, we would do well to
begin this season of Lent the same way. For us, taking stock doesn’t
mean creating a church roster—we do not need records of our
numbers—but rather to take stock of our very being and evaluate
whether our lives are oriented around God. Jesus has given us a great
tool for such an evaluation in the greatest commandments.
Mark 12:28-31
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with
one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he
asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus
answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God,
the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,
and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall
love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other
commandment greater than these.”
This week we will take stock of our life with God by reflecting
on each of these areas: heart, soul, mind, strength, and community. Each
day will focus on one area with further scripture reading and reflection
questions. Just as Israel numbered their population and camped around
the tabernacle, may we take stock of our lives and reorient around God!

Monday, March 2
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it…
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Reflection:
What does it mean to love God with all your heart?
What kinds of things do you get excited about and long for?
What kinds of things make you anxious and weigh you
down? In other words—what kinds of things stir your
affections?
How can you give these things over to God and set your
affections on him?
Ask God to search your heart and show you his love.

Tuesday, March 3
“Love the Lord your God…with all your soul…”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy
burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and
my burden is light.”
Reflection:
What does it mean to love God with all your soul?
What words do you typically use to describe yourself to others?
How do you understand your core identity? How does living
up to these identifiers fuel you? How does it drain you?
How might your posture in life change if your core identity was
rooted in the love of God and the rest that Jesus offers?
Meditate on God’s love for you. Rest in it and let that be your
core identity today.

Wednesday, March 4
“Love the Lord your God…with all your mind…”
Philippians 4:8-9
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep
on doing the things that you have learned and received and
heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Reflection:
What does it mean to love God with all your mind?
What kinds of things fill your mind as you go throughout your
day? (news, TV shows, social media, etc.) What kinds of
things are you curious about and want to learn more of?
How would your day be different if your mind were filled with
thoughts about God and his scripture? What kinds of things
would you like to learn more about God?
Give thanks to God for giving you a mind. Think about him
today and ask him to give you peace.

Thursday, March 5
“Love the Lord your God…with all your strength.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you
are not your own? For you were bought with a price;
therefore glorify God in your body.
Reflection:
What does it mean to love God with all your strength?
How many hours did you sleep last night? What did you have
for breakfast this morning? How many steps have you taken
today? Do you think that taking care of your body with good
rest, nutritious food, and regular activity can be a spiritual
practice?
Reflect on how Jesus took on flesh, lived a human life, gave up
his body on the cross, and was physically resurrected. How
does this shape your view of your own body?
Take a deep breath. Give thanks for the physical life that
God has given to you. Ask him for strength today.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 12:9-13
Friday, March 6
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is
good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one
another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in
spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints;
extend hospitality to strangers.
Reflection:
What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?
Consider your community. Who are your neighbors? Who are
the friends and family that are part of your day to day life?
What strangers do you encounter on a regular basis?
What are the ways that you can contribute to the needs of the
saints and extend hospitality to strangers? Who might God be
inviting you to go deeper in relationship with?
Give thanks to God for the people he has surrounded you
with. Reach out to them and express your love today.

Saturday, March 7
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, March 8
Setting Out
Numbers 9:15-18
On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the
tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; and from evening until
morning it was over the tabernacle, having the appearance
of fire. It was always so: the cloud covered it by day and the
appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud lifted from
over the tent, then the Israelites would set out; and in the
place where the cloud settled down, there the Israelites
would camp. At the command of the LORD the Israelites
would set out, and at the command of the LORD they would
camp.
After taking stock of themselves and orienting the community
around the tabernacle, the Israelites set out on their wilderness journey.
But they only set out at the leading of God. When the cloud lifted, they
would set out and when the cloud settled, they would stay put. Our life
with God should be patterned the same way. Everything we do as God’s
people should be in response to what God is already doing. This is what
it means to be on mission—we join in with the mission that God is
already up to! But how do we set our sights on the movement of God?

The example of the early church gives us practices that help us
see what God is up to in the world. Amidst all the busyness and activity
of our days, these practices can keep us rooted in the presence and the
story of God.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe
came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were
being done by the apostles. All who believed were together
and had all things in common; they would sell their
possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as
any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together
in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food
with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the
goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added
to their number those who were being saved.
This week we will reflect on each of these practices that root us
in the activity of God: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayers, and
generosity. Each day will focus on one practice with further scripture
reading and reflection questions. Just as Israel kept watch in the
wilderness, may we remain rooted in the presence of God!

Monday, March 9
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…”
2 Timothy 3:14-17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly
believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from
childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able
to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All
scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so
that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient,
equipped for every good work.
Reflection:
What does it mean to be devoted to the apostles’ teaching?
How does the practice of regular scripture reading keep you
rooted in the story and presence of God?
How is God inviting you to grow in this practice?
Thank God for the gift of his holy scriptures and ask him to
teach you and equip you for good work today.

Tuesday, March 10
“They devoted themselves to…fellowship…”
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and
good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit
of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as
you see the Day approaching.
Reflection:
What does it mean to be devoted to fellowship?
How does the practice of regularly gathering with the people of
God keep you rooted in the story and presence of God?
How is God inviting you to grow in this practice?
Ask God to grow his church in our city and around the
world. Take time to love and encourage someone today.

Wednesday, March 11
“They devoted themselves to…the breaking of bread…”
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,
that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took
a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it
and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in
remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also,
after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my
blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of
me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Reflection:
What does it mean to be devoted to the breaking of bread?
How does the practice of taking communion each week keep
you rooted in the story and presence of God?
How is God inviting you to grow in this practice?
Take a moment to remember Jesus and thank him for the gift
of his body and blood. Look for opportunities to proclaim the
Lord’s death, resurrection, and return today.

Thursday, March 12
“They devoted themselves to…the prayers.”
Matthew 6:7-13
When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the
Gentiles do; for they think that 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.
Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For the kingdom and the power
and the glory are yours forever. Amen.
Reflection:
What does it mean to be devoted to the prayers?
How does the practice of praying the Lord’s Prayer each week
keep you rooted in the story and presence of God?
How is God inviting you to grow in the practice of prayer
throughout the week?
Ask God to draw you deeper into his heart. Offer him honest
words from your own heart. Live this day in prayer.

Friday, March 13
“All who believed were together and had all things in common…”
Matthew 25:34-40
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you
that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry
and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I
was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took
care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that
we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave
you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a
stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you
clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison
and visited you?’
And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you
did it to one of the least of these who are members of my
family, you did it to me.’
Reflection:
What does it mean to have all things in common?
How does the practice of generous giving and humble service
keep you rooted in the story and presence of God?
How is God inviting you to grow in generosity and service?
Consider the needs of friends, neighbors, and strangers. Is there
a way that you can share with and serve them? Ask God to
draw near to all who are in need.

Saturday, March 14
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, March 15
Looking Back (week 1)
Numbers 11:1-9
Now when the people complained in the hearing of
the LORD about their misfortunes, the LORD heard it and
his anger was kindled. Then the fire of the LORD burned
against them, and consumed some outlying parts of the
camp. But the people cried out to Moses; and Moses prayed
to the LORD, and the fire abated. So that place was called
Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned against them.
The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the
Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to
eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for
nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions,
and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is
nothing at all but this manna to look at.”
Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its color was
like the color of gum resin. The people went around and
gathered it, ground it in mills or beat it in mortars, then
boiled it in pots and made cakes of it; and the taste of it was
like the taste of cakes baked with oil. When the dew fell on
the camp in the night, the manna would fall with it.

The Israelites began their journey by taking stock and orienting
around the dwelling place of God. Then they kept watch and only set
out at God’s leading. But it didn’t take long for them to lose sight of
God and forget his mighty acts. Even though God provided for them in
the wilderness, their hearts turned toward complaining and doubt and
they began looking back to the ‘good old days’ in Egypt.
The wilderness can be a place of solitude where we rid ourselves
of the distractions of the world and turn our attention toward God, but
after a while in solitude the dark places of our hearts slowly begin to
creep up and if we don’t humbly bring them before God then we will
quickly sink back into old habits of apathy and sin. Just like the
Israelites, we can lose sight of God, turn away from him, and ‘look
back’ to our old ways of being.
This week we will be reading Psalm 51 and Psalm 32, two
psalms of confession. Let these psalms guide your own prayers of
confession. Bring the dark places of your heart before God, ask for his
forgiveness, receive his grace, let him restore you.

Psalm 51:1-5
Monday, March 16
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgment.
Indeed, I was born guilty,
a sinner when my mother conceived me.
Reflection:
What ways have you, like the Israelites, ‘looked back’ and
returned to habits of sin?
Confess your sins to God. Ask him to cleanse you.

Psalm 51:6-12
Tuesday, March 17
You desire truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Reflection:
God desires truth in the inward being. What kinds of lies
have crept into your mind and your heart?
Confess your sins to God. Ask him to give you a clean heart
and fill you with the Spirit.

Psalm 51:13-19
Wednesday, March 18
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you have no delight in sacrifice;
if I were to give a burnt offering,
you would not be pleased.
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,
then you will delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Reflection:
When have you experienced the grace and forgiveness of God?
How does this bring forth praise from you? Who can you
share this good news with?
Rest in the grace and forgiveness of God. Give thanks to Jesus
for his sacrifice on the cross and his victory over sin in the
resurrection.

Psalm 32:1-5
Thursday, March 19
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Reflection:
Do your sins grieve your heart and weigh on your soul? Reflect
on the pain of this brokenness for a moment.
Confess your sins to God. Let him take their burden from
you. Receive the forgiveness of guilt.

Psalm 32:6-11
Friday, March 20
Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those
who trust in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Reflection:
What areas are you most tempted and most likely to fall into
sin?
Ask God to be a “hiding place” for you, to preserve you from
trouble. Ask him to lead you “not into temptation but deliver
you from evil.”

Saturday, March 21
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, March 22
Looking Back (week 2)
Numbers 13:25-28, 14:1-4
At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the
land. And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the
congregation of the Israelites in the wilderness of Paran, at
Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the
congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And
they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us; it
flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Yet the
people who live in the land are strong, and the towns are
fortified and very large; and besides, we saw the descendants
of Anak there…
Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people
wept that night. And all the Israelites complained against
Moses and Aaron; the whole congregation said to them,
“Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that
we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us
into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little
ones will become booty; would it not be better for us to go
back to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us choose
a captain, and go back to Egypt.”

Despite trials and failures, the Israelites have made it through
the wilderness to the edge of the promised land! But instead of celebration
and trust in God, they are filled with fear and doubt and once again
look back toward Egypt. They will spend another generation wandering
in the wilderness.
Our life with God is not a once-and-done thing. Though
confessing our sins, proclaiming Jesus as Lord, and being baptized are
crucial moments in our life of faith, it is far from over when we cross
those thresholds. Just like the nation of Israel, we often find ourselves
on the edge of salvation, only to turn tail and retreat back into life apart
from God. Life with God is an ongoing journey of confession and
forgiveness, grace and mercy.
This week we will continue the theme of confession with readings
from the New Testament that underscore our constant need for God’s
grace and his constantly generous outpouring of mercy in Christ.

Romans 7:15-25
Monday, March 23
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what
I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do
not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no
longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know
that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I
can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the
good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if
I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin
that dwells within me.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good,
evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my
inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with
the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that
dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will
rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God
through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Reflection:
Do you resonate with this predicament of wanting to do what
is right, but feeling like it is constantly beyond your grasp?
Ask God to deliver you from evil and give thanks for his
provision of grace in the life of Jesus our Lord!

Ephesians 2:1-10
Tuesday, March 24
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you
once lived, following the course of this world, following the
ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work
among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived
among them in the passions of our flesh, following the
desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children
of wrath, like everyone else.
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with
which he loved us even when we were dead through our
trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you
have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us
with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the
ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his
grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is
not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of
works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has
made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Reflection:
What was your life like before you knew Christ? When did
you first experience the rich mercy and great love of God?
Thank God for his grace and ask him to prepare you for good
works today.

Colossians 3:1-11
Wednesday, March 25
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that
are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of
God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things
that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden
with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed,
then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly:
fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which
is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming
on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also
once followed, when you were living that life. But now you
must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander,
and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one
another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with
its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self,
which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image
of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and
Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!
Reflection:
What kinds of things need to be put to death in your life?
Set your mind on Christ today and let him renew you with his
life.

Hebrews 4:12-16
Thursday, March 26
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from
spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts
and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is
hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one
to whom we must render an account.
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed
through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast
to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without
sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with
boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to
help in time of need.
Reflection:
How does the word of God reveal the thoughts and intentions
of your heart?
All our sins and failures are laid bare before God, but we do
not need to be afraid! Instead of hiding from him, run toward
God with everything in you and rest in his abundant mercy
and grace.

1 John 1:5-2:2
Friday, March 27
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim
to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at
all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are
walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if
we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful
and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make
him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that
you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the
atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also
for the sins of the whole world.
Reflection:
What parts of your life do you need to bring into the light?
Confess your sins and receive the forgiveness and cleansing of
Jesus. Share this good news with the world today.

Saturday, March 28
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, March 29
Unexpected Healing
Numbers 21:4-9
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to
go around the land of Edom; but the people became
impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and
against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt
to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water,
and we detest this miserable food.” Then the LORD sent
poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the
people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to
Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against
the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away
the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And
the LORD said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set
it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and
live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a
pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person
would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

The cycle should be familiar by now: Though God provides food,
the people complain; though God leads them to a prosperous land, the
people turn in fear. Here the cycle repeats itself once more. The people
become impatient and speak out against God and against Moses and
look back to their days in Egypt. The longsuffering patience of God is
worn thin and he sends poisonous serpents to afflict the people. This gets
their attention and they respond with repentance. But then something
strange happens: in order for the people to be healed, they have to look
up to a pole at the bronze figure of a serpent—the very thing that had
brought about death!
At first glance, this story seems nonsensical, but for anyone who
meets in a church building with a cross or any community that regularly
shares communion, the story may begin to make some sense. Just like
the Israelites, we find our healing in an unexpected symbol of death—
the cross of Christ. We experience healing as we remember the body and
blood of Jesus in communion. Just as they looked upon the serpent to
live, so we look upon Christ on the cross and live!
This week our readings will set our sights on Jesus. Prayerfully
read and reflect on these passages this week. Look upon your savior and
live!

John 3:13-21
Monday, March 30
No one has ascended into heaven except the one who
descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of
Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have
eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so
that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may
have eternal life.
Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to
condemn the world, but in order that the world might be
saved through him. Those who believe in him are not
condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned
already, because they have not believed in the name of the
only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has
come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than
light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate
the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds
may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to
the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have
been done in God.
Reflection:
Jesus compares himself to the bronze serpent in the wilderness.
Look upon him and live!

Ephesians 1:17-23
Tuesday, March 31
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you
come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart
enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has
called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance
among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of
his power for us who believe, according to the working of
his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when
he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand
in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and
power and dominion, and above every name that is named,
not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has
put all things under his feet and has made him the head over
all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of
him who fills all in all.
Reflection:
How have the eyes of your heart grown dim? Where do you
most need the hope to which he has called you?
Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you come to know Jesus
better.
Marvel at the glory of Jesus who is raised from the dead and
rules over all. This same power fills his church, which is his
body!

Philippians 2:5-11
Wednesday, April 1
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Reflection:
What does this passage show us about Jesus? What does this
passage show us about the Father?
Bend your knees and open your mouth to praise Jesus. How
can you make him known today?

Colossians 1:15-20
Thursday, April 2
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation;
for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created,
things visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—
all things have been created through him and for him.
He himself is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him God was pleased
to reconcile to himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven,
by making peace through the blood of his cross.
Reflection:
What does this passage show us about Jesus? What does it tell
us about the world?
How have you experienced God’s reconciliation? Do you see
this reconciliation in all things?
Worship Jesus who is before all things. Rest in him who holds
all things together.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Friday, April 3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that
clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race
that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and
perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was
set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and
has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Reflection:
What joy did Jesus have set before him?
What joy do you have set before you? How would your life
look different if you lived in that joy?
Look to Jesus, our pioneer and perfecter, who passed through
death and now reigns in life.

Saturday, April 4
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, April 5
Unexpected Blessing
Numbers 24:1-11
Now Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, so
he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set
his face toward the wilderness. Balaam looked up and saw
Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came
upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying:
“The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
the oracle of the man whose eye is clear,
the oracle of one who hears the words of God,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
who falls down, but with eyes uncovered:
how fair are your tents, O Jacob,
your encampments, O Israel!
Like palm groves that stretch far away,
like gardens beside a river,
like aloes that the LORD has planted,
like cedar trees beside the waters.
Water shall flow from his buckets,
and his seed shall have abundant water,
his king shall be higher than Agag,

and his kingdom shall be exalted.
God who brings him out of Egypt,
is like the horns of a wild ox for him;
he shall devour the nations that are his foes
and break their bones.
He shall strike with his arrows.
He crouched, he lay down like a lion,
and like a lioness; who will rouse him up?
Blessed is everyone who blesses you,
and cursed is everyone who curses you.”
Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he
struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I
summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have
blessed them these three times. Now be off with you! Go
home! I said, ‘I will reward you richly,’ but the LORD has
denied you any reward.”
As Israel makes their way through the wilderness into the
plains of Moab, they catch the attention of Balak, Moab’s king. Balak
feels threatened by this wandering nation so he hired a great sorcerer
named Balaam to pronounce curses upon the Israelites. From Numbers
22 to 24 Balaam attempts to speak curses upon Israel, but every time
he opens his mouth blessing comes out! In this third blessing, Balaam
speaks of a great king with an exalted kingdom who will finally defeat
all his enemies. What was meant as a curse would unexpectedly become
a blessing and a sign of great victory.
This week is Holy Week, when we journey through the story of
the last supper, the garden of Gethsemane, and ultimately the cross.
This too was meant to be a curse, a story of failure and defeat. But we
will find that it too becomes an unexpected blessing, the story of a great
king and his great victory. Enter this story as our wilderness journey
comes to a close.

Matthew 26:1-16
Monday, April 6
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to
his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is
coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be
crucified.”
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered
in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and
they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But
they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot
among the people.”
Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the
leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very
costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at
the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and
said, “Why this waste? For this ointment could have been
sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.” But
Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the
woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you
always have the poor with you, but you will not always have
me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared
me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is
proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be
told in remembrance of her.”
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went
to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I
betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of
silver. And from that moment he began to look for an
opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 26:17-30
Tuesday, April 7
On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to
Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the
preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into
the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says,
My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with
my disciples.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed
them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and
while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you
will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and
began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I,
Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand
into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes
as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son
of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one
not to have been born.” Judas, who betrayed him, said,
“Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after
blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said,
“Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after
giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all
of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured
out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will
never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when
I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount
of Olives.

Matthew 26:36-50
Wednesday, April 8
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane;
and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there
and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of
Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said
to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here,
and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw
himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is
possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but
what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found
them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay
awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may
not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing,
but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second
time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I
drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them
sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he
went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same
words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are
you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at
hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of
sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived;
with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the
chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer
had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man;
arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said,
“Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him,
“Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and
laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

Matthew 27:11-26
Thursday, April 9
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor
asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You
say so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and
elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you
not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But
he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that
the governor was greatly amazed.
Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release
a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that
time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So
after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you
want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is
called the Messiah?” For he realized that it was out of
jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting
on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have
nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have
suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Now
the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask
for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again
said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release
for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them,
“Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the
Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” Then he
asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all
the more, “Let him be crucified!”
So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that
a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his
hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s
blood; see to it yourselves.” Then the people as a whole
answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So he

released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he
handed him over to be crucified.
Matthew 27:27-50
Friday, April 10
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the
governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole
cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe
on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they
put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt
before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the
Jews!” They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him
on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the
robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him
away to crucify him.
As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene
named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his
cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha
(which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to
drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not
drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his
clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat
down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put
the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King
of the Jews.”
Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right
and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him,
shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the
temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the

Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way
the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were
mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save
himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from
the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God;
let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am
God’s Son.’” The bandits who were crucified with him also
taunted him in the same way.
From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until
three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried
with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My
God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of
the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for
Elijah.” At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it
with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to
drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah
will come to save him.” Then Jesus cried again with a loud
voice and breathed his last.
Saturday, April 11
Catch up and reflect back on this week’s readings. Take some time to
journal your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, April 12
He Is Risen!
Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the
tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an
angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled
back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like
lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the
guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said
to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are
looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he
has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where
he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been
raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to
Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for
you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy,
and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and
said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his
feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not
be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they
will see me.”

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain
to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they
worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said
to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that
I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you
always, to the end of the age.”

Crossing the Street | Partnering for Peace | Discovering the Kingdom
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Federal Way, WA 98003
(253) 839-2755
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