By Dan Flynn
Lenten Devotion for Wednesday, April 2
Read John 19:17-22
A number of years ago we were traveling through Wales. Little did we know as we entered into Wales from England that the Welsh had a different language. I was driving and needed directions from Gail, my wife. She was reading a map (this was before navigation systems existed) telling me where to turn.
I became pretty annoyed because she wasn’t being timely with directions and I wanted to know a couple of miles before a turn. At one point, she said to me with an agitated voice, “I can’t read the words, there are no vowels.” Gail was correct. All the signs on the highway could not be read. There were simply no vowels and it was quite easy to get lost.
God gives us signs. Isaiah said to King Ahaz, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child…” (7:14) And Jesus gives signs of the end in Matthew 24. If we see the signs be ready for Christ’s return.
Now here at the death of Jesus, Pilate is used by God to give a sign: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Pilate even had it in three languages, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. There was an intention that everyone would be able to read the sign.
We know that this King hung on the cross and the King chose to die so we might live. The cross becomes our sign of Love. This was no Welsh sign with no vowels so you have to guess the road. The sign is clear the King of the Jews came and died for us so we might live.
We pray: Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving us so much You are willing to die for us. Your death is a sign to our own salvation. May we be the signs of Your love. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Family Discussion
Talk about funny signs you have seen. What did these signs do to help people or not help people?
Everyday Object
Make a sign with a message on a sheet of paper that gives a direction. Open it after the devotions is read. Follow the directions. Could you understand the directions clearly? What would happen if the directions were unclear?
