Scripture: Psalm 23:5
In the Bible, a cup can be a cup (Matthew 26:27), or it can be a metaphor for an abundance of providential destiny – welcome or unwelcome.
A cup can symbolize blessings, saving grace, the righteous anger of God, disaster, consolation, or the sacrifice and suffering of our Lord.
These metaphorical cups reflect two connected themes: God’s divine judgment and God’s merciful redemption.
Jesus “drank” the cup of wrath on our behalf so that we might, by faith, “drink” the cup of eternal life. Praise God!
In Psalm 116, the Psalmist shares his reaction to deliverance from trouble, sorrow, and death.
“I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living….”
“I will take the cup of Salvation and call upon the name of the Lord….” “I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people….”
“I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the Lord.”
– Psalm 116:12,9,13,14,17
No matter what circumstances I face, my response can be gratitude.
God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to die for us, and whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life.
For that alone, I should be the most grateful individual on Earth!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I will lift the cup of Salvation heavenward this Easter. Thank you for filling it with Jesus. Amen.
Andi Lehman, Hernando, MS
A daily Lenten devotional reprinted with permission from The Society of St. Andrew to inspire help sharing nourishing food with neighbors in need.
Every $1 donated provides more than 40 servings to those in greatest need. A donation of $47 for the 47 days in Lent provides more than 1,880 servings.
What a way to celebrate the resurrection of hope and lift the cup of salvation for our hungry neighbors!
First Reflections 