a Lenten Devotion by Dianne Sefter 

Matthew 18:10. “Tell me.  Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all.  Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” 

The music of Lent is somber, reflecting the steps that Christ took towards Jerusalem in His final days.  We cannot fully comprehend the love that drove Jesus to the cross.  We cannot fully understand His sorrow as He looked over Jerusalem and wept for His people, as He still must today.   

 As a musician, God sometimes brings songs to my mind.  The melody was the simplest He has ever given- almost childlike, which seemed fitting to the scripture. 

                                        Your Love For Me 

     Wretched sinner though I am, still You love me, Lord. 

     I have often turned away, from Your Holy Word. 

     Though I’ve wandered far from You, You’re still there with Me. 

     Like a sheep I’ve gone astray- come and rescue me! 

    There are paths I should not take, things I should not do. 

     Then I hear Your kind voice say- just to trust in You. 

     Through the valley, it is dark; still I move ahead… 

     Till I see Your glorious light through the fear and dread. 

     Lord, I am Your little lamb- hold me in Your arms. 

     Save me from my wandering, save me from all harms. 

     Bring me back into the fold, safe and warm and free. 

     Gentle Savior: thank You, Lord, for Your love for me.