LET US BE GLAD AND REJOICE
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2020
He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, ‘Behold this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’
~ Isaiah 25:8, 9 ~
HE IS RISEN! The earth shook, the angel rolled the stone away, the guards passed out from fear, and the ladies ran to give the report - the tomb was empty!! Christ has been raised. On Friday he laid down his life on our behalf, but now on Sunday morning he has taken it up again - even sin and death have no power over our Savior! He is the resurrection and the life - the ‘first fruits’ of many who will receive new life in him, for in Christ, we too are made alive and will rise again!
Through his death and resurrection, ‘he has caused us to be born again to a living hope...to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials...’ (1 Peter 1:3-6) How great a day it will be when we are reunited with our Lord and Savior free from the sin of this life and forever in his presence. What a glorious day and how great a salvation has been accomplished for us through this act we celebrate today - may we rejoice together today in what the Lord has done for us!
Today’s Readings: [69 verses]
^Matthew 28:1-8
^John 20:1-18
^Matthew 28:9-15
^Luke 24:13-35
^John 20:19-31
***Reading Suggestion: Read slowly and thoughtfully. Each day’s reading has been arranged chronologically, which means for some days there are multiple passages (occasionally requiring some flipping back and forth), please read in the order listed to stay on track. I’ve opted for shorter readings to allow more time for thought and reflection. Avoid the urge to just “get the reading done,” but rather take time to consider and contemplate Jesus this week as the reading takes you through what he experienced each day. I pray this will be an encouragement to you which causes you to more fully appreciate our great Savior - may your love, appreciation, and joy in him continue to expand in this Easter season!
***Resource Suggestion: A Harmony of the Gospels, One Perfect Life
