Romans 6: 8-9
“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.”
“Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom;”
~ Richard B. Hoyle
The memory of 2020—being shuttered, apart from family and friends during the Easter season because of a teeny, tiny microscopic virus—is finally beginning to fade. Gloom had descended upon us; fear had gripped many; the deadly disease had its way with millions all over the world. One thing I trust we have all learned from that experience is to hold each family member tight and embrace the traditional celebrations during holidays and special occasions with a renewed sense of gratitude and praise to God for the abundance of blessings He has poured out on us.
This year’s 40-Day Lenten season has come to an end but this is not the end of the story! On that first Easter, Jesus conquered not only fear and gloom, but death itself. And because of Him, they have no hold on us.
In the days ahead, I pray you will also be reminded of the wonderful truths and encouragement received from God’s Word during this Lenten season: to stay “confessed up” as the Lord loves repentant hearts; to stay “prayed up,” as the Lord loves our devotion to consistent prayer time with Him; and to stay “filled up” with the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives and, in particular, to keep us attentive to the needs of others and how we can love our neighbors as ourselves.
Oh, what a Savior to love, lean on, abide in, and serve! He has risen to give us new life and resurrection power. He faithfully demonstrates His love and care for us every day. No matter what we face tomorrow, next month, or next year, always remember that this same Jesus, the King of Glory, is coming again! Allelulia!
Father in heaven, we praise You for Your incomparable gift of Your Son, Jesus. May we honor and serve Him all our days, no matter our circumstances, until He comes again in glory. In His mighty name we pray. Amen.
