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DEVOTION
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, you who have sent Jesus into the world to suffer, die, and rise again for our sake, help us to experience your transforming resurrection power within our lives and ministry. We offer our prayers in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN.
INTRODUCTION
Easter is the greatest love letter from God to the world. God defeated death and sin through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. There is always hope, promise, light and life even when we see nothing but the darkness of night and feel the coldness of early morning. Even when confronting overwhelming obstacles God can make a way for us through to tomorrow. Let’s read this weeks scripture as the women come to the tomb of Jesus.
Mark 16:1-8 NIV
Jesus Has Risen
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
REFLECTION
Vicky Carnevale often brings devotions to the meetings of our church. She shared this devotional in our meetings this week. I thought we all needed to hear this love letter from Jesus.
My Dear One,
If you ever wonder how much you are loved, look to the cross. While you were still a sinner, I died for you. Each thorn in my brow, each lash, each insult, each nail, each drop of my blood is proof. The cross was the cost of your redemption, and I willingly paid it. There is nothing you could ever do that would make me love you less, or more. Let that sink in.
Because of my blood, you can come boldly before the throne of grace. You can lay down your burdens, and all your shame. You can bring your brokenness and be made whole again in me - I am the one who holds everything together. And I forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. My blood covers you. Your sins are forgiven – past, present, and future. They are blotted out, remembered no more. You are free to forgive yourself and others because I have forgiven you. I laid down my life for your freedom.
Take my hand, and walk with me out of the tomb. Come out of darkness and in the light. Come out of whatever sorrow or pain or disappointment or loss you might have experienced. I am the resurrection and the life. I have come to give life to you – a full and joyous life, a life of peace that passes all understanding. All that the Father has and is belongs to me, and I long to share it with you. Let me live my life through you.
I love you forever, JESUS.
From Every Day With Jesus – Daily Joy for the Journey. Guideposts Books, Danbury CT. 2018, pg. 94.
CLOSING PRAYER
The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. AMEN.
Numbers 6:24-26
Easter Blessings,
Pastor Tom
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