LBW #493, "Hope of the World"
Devotion
Jesus came and healed the sick and those possessed with demons, but the illness of this world was so pervasive that it led to his death. At the very moment it seemed that all was lost as Jesus breathed his last, a victory over death, grief and pain was gained.
We now wait for the final fulfillment of that victory. In the book of Revelation it is depicted in this vision, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God, they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)
Prayer
O Christ, you are the hope of this world and you are victor over death. It was not an easy victory. It required that you suffer and die. But from that sacrifice we are able to live in the hope of eternal life. Amen.