April Devotional

"Joy Comes in the Morning"

We are told in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 28, about a group of women who traveled to the tomb of Jesus, on the first day of the week while it was still dark. It had been dark since Friday, while Satan basked in glee, the world mourned in darkness. They were not just going to visit the grave where Jesus was buried, they had a task to preform, a duty to do. They were going to anoint the body with warm fragrant oils, a tradition of that time. They had given no thought to the fact that the tomb had been sealed with a large stone, they had a duty to do and were not about to be deterred. One can only imagine their shock and amazement upon arrival to see the stone that sealed the tomb rolled back. Matthew tells about a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, rolling back the stone from the opening, and was seated on top of it. We can understand how this chain of events would cause confusion and great fear. But the angel spoke to them reassuring them to not be afraid, for Jesus was not there, that He had risen just as He said He would, but to go and tell the disciples this Great news.

All four of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell of similar accounts of the resurrection. this one fact is the basis for out Christian beliefs. We believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, did in fact raise Jesus from the dead just like He said He would. This fact is supported by over500 eyewitnesses as recorded in the book of 1st Corinthians. Just like God promised to raise His only Son from the dead that He may be with Him in heaven, He has promised the same to His followers, "That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

As we approach the Easter season, let us pause if only for a while, to remember, and reflect just what this season is all about. Just what has been promised to you if you will only accept it, it's free of charge, no cost. The price of admission has already been paid in full.

Pastor Dan