the resurrection of our lord
the PRAYER. . .
O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING. . .
The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
the DEVOTION. . .
Turn on television, any given Sunday, you’re gonna hear someone preaching. Biblical principles. Family values. The whole nine yards. And I guess, there’s nothing wrong with that. Truth is, however, principles and values take us only so far.
After all, principles and values don’t – can’t – do anything! They aren’t alive! Never drew a breath. Never had a heartbeat. Nothing more than words on a page. Chapters, verses. And because they never lived, they can’t die! They can be forgotten and overlooked and ignored; just can’t die! And because they can’t die, they’ll never rise! But then, there’s Jesus …
Down to earth! Flesh and blood! Living! Breathing! Dying! Descending! Rising again! But most of all, Jesus loving! Loving without limit and measure! Loving without exception, without apology, without excuse! Something principles and values can never do! Principles? Values? I guess they have their place. But that place isn’t Holy Week or Easter! This place belongs to Jesus and to Jesus alone!
Bob Barndt, pastor