Bulletin 3.9.25

What a moving revelation we have in this episode of the Savior's total freedom from self-pity, and of His unshakable conviction that the attitude adopted towards Him would decide the weal or woe of the people. Luke, after recording the Savior's prayer for His enemies, mentions the fact that the soldiers parted His raiment and cast lots for it.  And what a picture this gives us of the fact that He was now robbed of everything – of His honor, His followers, His life (for already he was, as it were, in the stranglehold of death), and even of the last remnant of His earthly possessions, His clothing. Thus He became absolutely poor for our sakes so that we might be made rich in Him.

— Norval Geldenhuys, The Gospel of Luke  (1946 pp. 608-609)

Psalm 103:8-14

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.

(Prayer)