From the series "The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever" by Dr. Rev. Ross Johnson

"When Disaster Strikes" is the theme this Lent.

“When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51-53).

There are disasters from which we must run, if we are able to do so. Storms, floods, criminal activity; there are situations in which we must try to reach safety. Yet even events that can be escaped may leave behind

inescapable damage to property and lives, and some circumstances cannot be escaped at all. You are left to face the ongoing disaster or its aftermath. You would like to run away, to be anywhere but where you are. But try as you might, you cannot get away. Wherever you go, grief or doubt or anxiety follow.

For us Jesus faced the awful disaster that was the wrath of God against human sin so that we will never have to face the ultimate disaster of eternal separation from God. Jesus walked headlong into disaster, so that whatever tragedies and sorrow we may face, we will never do so apart from His saving, healing presence. As the psalmist writes, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). Through storm and grief and shadowed valleys, Jesus has set His face to walk with you.

PRAYER

Lord and Savior, You set Your face to go to Jerusalem, knowing that there You would suﬀer betrayal and crucifixion. You took onto Yourself the punishment that I deserved for my sin, on the third day You rose up from death to win eternal life. When I am surrounded by disaster and fearful circumstances, help me to look to the

promises found in your Word. Teach me to turn to You in prayer, confident that You will walk with me

through any trouble that comes my way. Amen.