PRAYER TEAM

The Way Down Is the Way Up

“From head to toe I am full of transgression and sin, duplicity and doubt. But miracle of miracles, Yahweh deigns
to condescend and unite himself with me through Holy Baptism (Rom 6:1-11; Gal 2:20).
This is an honor not even bestowed upon the angels!”

'For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; ‘I dwell in the high
and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to
revive the heart of the contrite.’ Isaiah 57:15

Yahweh invites us to live in the paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to become high, that
the broken heart will be the healed heart, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that the contrite spirit is the
rejoicing spirit, and that death is the pathway to everlasting life. To the lowliest people he offers the highest
position.” Lessing, R.R. (2014). Concordia Commentary: Isaiah 56-66 (p.121). St. Louis, MO: Concordia
Publishing House.

"The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also
reign with him..." 2 Timothy 2:11-12a

Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner. Cover my sins with the blood that has been shed for me. Amen.