Lenten Daily Devotional 2021
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Day 44: You are Loved and Accepted
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1 (NIV)
I love holidays. I love the beauty of Christmas (and the gift-giving), I love the food of Thanksgiving, and I love the fact that we remember the specialness of each one of us on our birthday. But of all the holidays, I love Easter the most.
You know Easter, that is the day we celebrate the reality of the resurrection of Jesus; how Jesus died on a cross, was placed in a tomb, and then, three days later, was resurrected and walked out of that tomb.
Easter, according to the Apostle Paul, is the most important doctrine of our faith. According to Paul (1st Corinthians 15), Christianity lives and dies on the reality of the resurrection. Let me paraphrase Paul; if the resurrection were not true then all his work had been in vain and all our trust in Jesus has been worthless and of all the people ever to walk on the face of this planet, we would be the most to be pitied . . . because we believed a lie . . . and lies can’t save you.
But Paul goes on to say, the resurrection of Jesus is true and because it is true it means everything Jesus said is true and you can trust him. For example, Jesus said, you can be forgiven. And because of the reality of the resurrection . . . you are forgiven. Jesus said you are loved and accepted. And because of the reality of the resurrection . . . you are loved and accepted. Jesus said, “I’m going to prepare a place for you in paradise and when it is ready, I’m going to come and get you and you will be with me, in heaven, forever.” And because of the reality of the resurrection . . . well, you get the point. Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 1 that because of the resurrection, all of God’s promises, from Genesis to Revelation, are true.
You know Easter, that is the day we celebrate the reality of the resurrection of Jesus; how Jesus died on a cross, was placed in a tomb, and then, three days later, was resurrected and walked out of that tomb.
Easter, according to the Apostle Paul, is the most important doctrine of our faith. According to Paul (1st Corinthians 15), Christianity lives and dies on the reality of the resurrection. Let me paraphrase Paul; if the resurrection were not true then all his work had been in vain and all our trust in Jesus has been worthless and of all the people ever to walk on the face of this planet, we would be the most to be pitied . . . because we believed a lie . . . and lies can’t save you.
But Paul goes on to say, the resurrection of Jesus is true and because it is true it means everything Jesus said is true and you can trust him. For example, Jesus said, you can be forgiven. And because of the reality of the resurrection . . . you are forgiven. Jesus said you are loved and accepted. And because of the reality of the resurrection . . . you are loved and accepted. Jesus said, “I’m going to prepare a place for you in paradise and when it is ready, I’m going to come and get you and you will be with me, in heaven, forever.” And because of the reality of the resurrection . . . well, you get the point. Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 1 that because of the resurrection, all of God’s promises, from Genesis to Revelation, are true.
Prayer Focus: Prayer for the Family Life Ministry at Centenary. For wisdom and guidance on how to encourage families & share Jesus with our community.
Song of Reflection: I Will Rise
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say it is well
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
(And) I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise (I will rise)
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb
And I hear the cry of ev'ry longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb
CCLI Song # 5183450
Chris Tomlin | Jesse Reeves | Louie Giglio | Matt Maher
CCLI License # 451098
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say it is well
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
(And) I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise (I will rise)
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb
And I hear the cry of ev'ry longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb
CCLI Song # 5183450
Chris Tomlin | Jesse Reeves | Louie Giglio | Matt Maher
CCLI License # 451098
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