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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The angels told the women at the tomb, “Go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee” (Mark 16:7). How I love those two little words in Mark: “and Peter.” Jesus had just risen in triumph from the grave, victorious over sin and death, vanquisher of Satan and his works, and he made sure that his angels said, “and Peter.” I praise you today as the God who reaches out to me in love and mercy, always eager to forgive and restore. All glory and honor and power be to you, my Risen Lord and Master! Glory to God! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the most important event in human history: the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the bedrock of the gospel. The significance of the resurrection can be seen in the following ways: (1) It validates and confirms everything Jesus said about himself. Jesus claimed to be one with the Father (John 10:30), the Son of God (John 5:17–18), the source of eternal life (John 17:3), the only way to God (John 14:6), the Messiah of Israel (John 4:25–26), and the Son of Man (Mark 14:62). Jesus’ resurrection means that all these things are true. (2) It proves that Jesus’ sacrifice for sin is acceptable to God. The Spirit said, “When Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God” (Heb 10:12). By raising Jesus from the dead, the Father showed that he accepted the once-for-all sacrifice of his Son as the atonement for the sins of the world. Jesus has the power to break the bonds of sin and ensure forgiveness and eternal life to all who receive his gift of salvation. Hallelujah! (3) It proves that Jesus has power over death. Paul said, “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him” (Rom 6:9). Jesus’ resurrection means our own victory over death as well, for you have “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6). (4) It means that Jesus lives forever as the mediator of the New Covenant through his blood. The author of Hebrews said, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25). Praise God for a great High Priest who lives forever! Hallelujah for the indestructible life of Jesus Christ! I rejoice in the knowledge that my faith in Christ is not some blind leap in the dark. Instead, it is a faith that is grounded in the historical certainty of Jesus’ resurrection. I can joyfully say to the world, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay!” (Matt 28:6). Reflection The disciples acknowledged that Jesus’ body was gone from the tomb, but they didn’t believe that he had risen from the dead. Their stubbornness prompts me to search my own heart. Do I have the same spirit of unbelief when it comes to your working in my life? Am I truly convinced that there is nothing too hard for you? Request Father, help me to live each day by faith in the risen Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. May I always be able to say, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Thanksgiving Hallelujah for the glorious truth of the resurrection of your Son! I join with the songwriter and sing, “Lives again our glorious King, Where, O death, is now thy sting? Once He died our souls to save, Where thy victory, O grave?” In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” – Charles Wesley. Meditation Verse: Matthew 28:10. |