The Sunday Lectionary Readings for SUNDAY, April 12, 2020 — Easter Day

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

SUNDAY, April 12, 2020 — Easter Day

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Easter Day

Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

Opening Statement

Resurrection—new life! This is the heart of the Christian message and what we are called to witness to at all times. On this glorious feast day, we celebrate God’s steadfast love, God conquering fear and death, and the fact that this message is for everyone. With Paul and Peter, this day is a chance to affirm the basis of our beliefs. We need also to recover that sense of grief and despair that brings Mary to the garden in order to fully understand and participate in the astonishment and joy at finding her beloved, risen from the dead. This possibility of encountering the Risen Christ is there for all of us to experience. It is this active, risen presence that needs to come through our liturgies for today.

Our world was lost to sin for many years. People were broken and empty. But throughout scripture a promise was made of a Savior that would conquer sin and bring salvation. That promise was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God sacrificed His son so that we may have freedom from sin. Jesus was crucified and buried in a tomb for three days. But rose to life on that third day. We know this turning point in history as Easter. Salvation through Jesus Christ is not possible without the resurrection.

Opening Prayer

(adapted from John 20)

O God, bless us this morning with resurrection rampage—a rampage that summons us to shout yes to the birth of new creation in our midst. May we experience the birthquakes of new life in our lives and in our congregation. The Son is up! And we are up with the Son, despite all those things that seek to pull us down to despair. We are your Easter people. Amen.

The Collect

(from the Book of Common Prayers)

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

We have to admit it, Lord, that we had our doubts. We have heard the Resurrection story and for so many years it has remained just a nice story. But this time it is different. This time we have walked the path with Christ. We have journeyed through the wilderness and valleys, to the mountaintops to the courtyard, the garden and the cross. Now you bring us to the empty tomb and to the joyous news of the truth of Christ. Forgive us when we so easily doubt the truth of his resurrection. Forgive us when we feel we have to have absolute proof of everything. Your love in Jesus Christ is all the proof we need. You conquered death and sin, you brought us to new life. We praise your holy name and sing our unending song of hope and thanksgiving.

Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Come into the light of God’s love! Christ is risen! Death has been swallowed up in victory! Know beyond all doubt that God’s love is always with you, surrounding you, leading you, comforting you. Be at peace. Amen.

Prayer of the Day

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. Amen.

First Reading

Acts 10:34-43

God raised Jesus on the third day

10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

On this day God has acted

1  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
     his love endures forever.

2  Let Israel say:
     “His love endures forever.”

…

14 The Lord is my strength and my defense;
     he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory
     resound in the tents of the righteous:
   “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
16   The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
     the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
     but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
     I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord
     through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
     you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
     has become the cornerstone;
23 the Lord has done this,
     and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The Lord has done it this very day;
     let us rejoice today and be glad.

Second Reading

Colossians 3:1-4

Raised with Christ

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us keep the Festival. Alleluia.

(1 Cor. 5:7, 8)

The Gospel

John 20:1-18

The passion and death of Jesus

20:1 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. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Apostles' Creed

• I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

• I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

• I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Benediction

(adapted from John 20)

We have come from darkness and despair to hope and joy. We have been transformed by new life. Go forth to witness and to testify to the message of hope we have received this day.

 Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Easter Is Here

Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia. Amen.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Daily Lectionary for SUNDAY, April 12, 2020 — Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

“The Legacy of Easter”

Our Gospel message comes to us today from the 20th chapter of John, beginning with the 1st verse, “The passion and death of Jesus.”

20:1 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. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:1-18)

“The Legacy of Easter”

What many of us need to know is that Easter is all about God. The resurrection of Christ is not about Jesus, but it is about God. Christmas-the incarnation is about Jesus and likewise the feast of tabernacles; the Pentecost is about the Holy Spirit; however, Easter is about what God has done through and in Jesus Christ.

And although many of us believe in the existence of God, when it comes to Easter, our faith is pushed to its limits. Some of us who are the most intelligent, the most educated, the most intellectual of us, would simply say that “I believe that Jesus existed; however, I find it rather difficult to believe that he was raised from dead.” In fact, Islam teaches that God could not and would not die for humanity—it’s just not in his nature. Many scientists and atheists challenge the validity of the whole resurrection story. They dismissed the story of an empty tomb as a pious legend.

And I have to admit at the outset that the case for Jesus’ resurrection is somewhat flawed. When you considered the discrepancies in the events of Easter morning as described by the four gospels, one may not know what to believe. I mean, who was it that first discovered that the tomb was empty and when? Was it Mary or Peter? How and when was the stone rolled from the mouth of the tomb? And how many angels appeared? Now one perspective on the differences within the stories is that it is precisely those discrepancies that make the resurrection so believable. If someone were to really conspire and make this all up, one would think that they all would have at least gotten their testimonies to agree. But the real skeptics argue that that rational just does not hold weight. And so, they ask the question, is there any truth in the underlying story the legend that the tomb was found empty?

Well, the fact of the matter is that the legacy of Easter is a faith story. It is intended not for the unbeliever, but it is for the believer. Easter is for those who believe in the power of an almighty God. Easter is for the believer. (Ask your neighbor: “Are you a believer?”)

Easter is about the belief in a God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s about a God who was, who is, and whoever shall be God. It’s about a God who was. That’s the God of the Old Testament—the right on time God. The God who heard the cries of his people and always showed up right on time. Easter reminds us about a God that was right on time when he parted the red sea for the Hebrew children who were cornered by Pharaoh and his armies. Easter reminds us about a God who was right on time when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down for Joshua and his ragtag militia. Resurrection Sunday reminds us about a God that was right on time when David slew Goliath; when Daniel was in the lion’s Den; when the three Hebrew boys were in the fiery furnace. The legacy of Easter is about a God who may not show up when you want him to show up, but he always shows up right on time.

Easter is about a God who is and ever shall be with us. It’s about a belief in a God that dwells with his people. Now, we tend to believe that God is only with us when we are experiencing the blessings of God—good health, good fortune, and good times. We say that God is with us when we have landed that promotion or heard some good news like the lump in our chest was not cancerous. We say and feel that God is really with us because it is at those times that life is so beautiful. But if God were only with us when things are going well, then he would not be God at all. He would be just a good luck charm—like lady luck and a rabbit’s foot. But our God is omnipresent—everywhere at the same time. He is with us not only in our good times but also in our bad times. He is with us in our pains as well as our pleasures. He is there present with us when we are losing our homes, burying a loved one, or receiving a diagnosis that means surgery with little to no chance of recovery. God is there with us while our spouses are packing their bags and walking out the door. He is there with us as we are answering the phones only to receive bad news. The legacy of Easter is about a God who is always with us. Easter is about the power, the glory, and majesty of a Sovereign God.

That is what Easter is all about. That is what Jesus told Mary when he said, “I go to My father, your father. My God, your God.” Easter is about much more than me.

One of the things that I so admired about the acceptance speech of Halle Berry on Oscar Night in 2002 was the profound statement that caught the attention of all of her peers: She stated that this moment is so much bigger than me. It’s for the women that stand beside me, and it’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened. It is exactly those words that best capture the message of Jesus on Easter. In other words, this event of me being raised from the dead; this event of me defeating the penalty of sin, it so much bigger than me. This moment is about Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. This moment is about Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. This moment is about Moses, the Hebrew children and the promise land. This moment is about Peter, Thomas, and You Mary. This moment is about the opportunity for every believer in the power and authority of God to walk through this door to eternal life. It’s about giving them access to the dunamis power from the throne room of God that was once hindered, shut-up, and block by our sin. This moment is about God giving you access to your healing. This moment is about God giving you access to your deliverance. This moment is about the young woman who thinks that suicide is her only way out. This moment is about the young man ready to pick up a gun or knife because they are tired of running from street gangs. This moment is for every parent who has tried counseling, time-outs, and corporeal punishment and still does not know what to do with their child. This moment is for the woman who is tired of being alone. It’s for the man living with HIV. This moment is for those who seem hopeless, helpless, and lost. For them, a door has been made opened. For them, the stone was rolled away. For them, every valley has been exalted; the mountain made low, the crooked places made straight. Easter is about the Door that God has opened for them. Easter is about God giving humanity not only the tools to become more humane but also the power necessary to become divine.

I believe that if we realized that moments are so much bigger than us, we would have a greater impact in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our community. If we realized that our living is not just about us, but it is about testifying to the power of God—more people would be healed, more people would be saved, more people would have peace and joy. If we realized that every moment is not about us living large, or getting ours; if we realized that it’s all about God and not having our voices heard, or having our say, or feel appreciated, or doing things our way; if we would realize that it’s all God, more stones could be rolled away in our lives.

But we tend to miss those moments to give God the glory. Every moment we are given to give praise and thanks to God with a hand clap or a hallelujah, and we decide to hold our peace and fold our arms, saying, “it doesn’t take all that,” we miss the moment. Every time we are asked to financially support our local church and God’s kingdom through tithing, yet, we respond, “pastor we are not rich,” we miss the moment. Every time we are challenged to greet each other and share a hug, yet we refuse to move from our pew to extend a hand, we miss a moment. Every time we refuse to forgive those we cannot stand, to show some mercy towards those who work on our last nerve, we miss a moment. Every time we are challenged to go forth as giant-killers, yet all we see is ourselves as grasshoppers, we miss a moment.

And I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of missing the moment. I’m tired of coming so close to the mission, the vision, and dream, to only run into stones of poor faith, stones of poor commitment, stones of disobedience. I’m ready to see moments that are much bigger than us. I’m ready to see more moments to testify to the power of my father, your father, my God, and your God.

I’m ready to see moments that people of different colors, classes, and cultures come to together, meet eye to eye, and say, “Peace of the Lord be with you.” I’m ready to see more moments that black children, white children, Hispanic, Asian, can sit down in our Sunday school classes, living, loving, and learning in the name of the lord. I’m ready to see people get pass their hang-ups on denomination, religion, and doctrine, and realize that Sunday morning is not about the sign that is on the front of the building, but it’s about the blood of Jesus spilled out for our redemption. I’m ready to see more moments where the disadvantaged, the disabled, and the discouraged can leave our sanctuaries feeling empowered, encouraged, inspired, and convicted that God lives, God reigns, and God cares. I’m looking for moments that are much bigger than us. I’m looking for moments where a drug addict is delivered, where the alcoholic is released. I’m looking for moments were lumps have disappeared, the cripple is made to walk, and people are put back into the right mind. Those are moments that are much bigger than us.

Let us pray: Lord God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had plan, that you made a way.

Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ

Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Sermon contributed by Rev. Antonio Torrence.
The significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Daily Prayer for SUNDAY, April 12, 2020

The Daily Prayer

SUNDAY, April 12, 2020

Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, wrote, “What we do is very little. But it is like the little boy with a few loaves and fishes. Christ took that little and increased it. He will do the rest. What we do is so little that we may seem to be constantly failing. But so did he fail. He met with apparent failure on the Cross. But unless the seeds fall into the earth and die, there is no harvest.”

Give us patience and humility with our feeble efforts at faithfulness. Bless the minute things we do in your name so that our small acts of faith may find witness among many and thereby glorify you. Amen.

Verse of the Day SUNDAY, April 12, 2020

Luke 9:23-24

Then he (Jesus) said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Read all of Luke 9

Listen to Luke 9

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un dia a la Vez - Domingo 12 de abril de 2020

Dios te regala un nuevo día hoy

Bendito sea el Señor, nuestro Dios y Salvador, que día tras día sobrelleva nuestras cargas.

— Salmo 68:19, NVI

¿Por qué será que no todos los días nos levantamos igual con Dios?

Si en la gran mayoría de los casos conocemos su Palabra, sabemos que nos ama y que hoy ha preparado un día lleno de oportunidades para nosotros.

Sé que las circunstancias que estás viviendo te roban la paz y el gozo. No obstante, cuando estamos en contacto diario con nuestro Dios, ya sea orando aunque sea un rato cada día, y leyendo su Palabra, encontramos sus promesas.

Estas promesas te dan la certeza de caminar por fe. Te permiten dar por sentado que aunque amanezcas sin un quinto en el bolsillo, andes cansado porque el dinero no te alcanza y otras muchas cosas que llegan a la vida, Dios es un Padre que, ante todo, nunca miente. De modo que si te regaló un nuevo amanecer, es porque te ama y ya tiene predestinado que estuvieras en pie.

¡Ánimo! Recuerda que aunque la tormenta es fuerte, Dios es mayor que tu problema.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¿Por qué será que no todos los días nos levantamos igual con Dios?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Sunday, April 12, 2020

PERSECUTION CANNOT SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall…persecution…?

— Romans 8:35c, NIV

The question asked is a personal one. Not “what” can separate us but “who”? The inference is our enemy, Satan, who tries every tactic he can garner to make us think we can be separated from Christ’s love. Today we look at his tactic of “persecution.”

Heart-pounding terror—that’s what most Cambodians felt when Pol Pot seized power in 1975. Setan Lee was a young teen-aged medical student when the Khmer Rouge communist forces took over control of Cambodia. Their horrors and atrocities against their own citizens brought the label “Killing Fields” to the era. Setan was in the most vulnerable class as an educated young person. By God’s grace alone he survived the ensuing persecution, starvation and hardships. But as the young man gained strength, hatred for the Khmer Rouge gripped his heart. He plotted how he would get revenge, especially on the guard named Er. “She was the lady who I hated and I wanted to kill,” he said.

When the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia in 1978, many prisoners fled the slave camps. Setan was one of thousands who began the dangerous journey to freedom in Thailand. He walked to the border and en route a preacher led him to faith in Jesus. He was later amazed to find all his family alive, except for his brother, who had been killed by the Khmer Rouge. Together, the family went to a Thai refugee camp, where Setan Lee became a young preacher.

One day, while preaching in a camp of 35,000 refugees on this text in Romans 8:35, an eerie feeling swept over him. As he looked over the many faces in the crowd, he spotted the guard Er in the crowd. “I prayed and asked the Lord to take control of me,” he said.

“First, I wanted to kill her,” he added, “but then something told me to have compassion and mercy toward her.” Lee told Er, “I forgive you for what you have done to me and my friends. I want you to believe in Jesus. He forgave me for what I wanted to do to you. So, in return, I forgive you. And it’s not me, but God.”

Although Lee prayed for Er, he never saw her again. He feared the Khmer Rouge’s grip on her life pulled her back into the jungle, yet he knew the Lord of the Universe had helped him forgive her for the persecution she had inflicted on him for years.

When I heard Setan share his amazing story, he concluded, “I realized through it all, that persecution could not separate me from the love of Christ.”

RESPONSE: I will live this day aware that persecution can never separate me from Christ’s love.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the wonderful lessons we learn from the persecuted who know that it cannot separate them from You. May I know this assurance today no matter what I face.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

LHM Daily Devotions - April 12, 2020 - "DON'T BE AFRAID!"

"DON'T BE AFRAID!"

April 12, 2020

And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD ..." But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day.

— Exodus 14:13a, 29-30a, ESV

But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. ..." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid." (Matthew 28:5-6, 8-10a)

Death is terrifying. The people of Israel knew this, caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. Jesus' followers knew this as they dealt with the aftermath of His crucifixion. I know this whenever my asthma acts up and I fumble for my inhaler. You know this, when you face the fact that someone you love is dying, and there is nothing you can do to prevent it.

God knows we are afraid, and His heart goes out to us. And so He says to us: "Do not be afraid!" "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord." "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Matthew 28:10b; Exodus 14:13b; Isaiah 43:19a)

To all our fears, God gave one overwhelming, everlasting answer: He raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is the first of the human race to rise from death in this way, never to die again. But He will not be the last!

Jesus is the guarantee of our own resurrection, because everyone who trusts in Him will share His victory. This is why we can say with Paul: "'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' ... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:54b-55, 57).

This is the answer to our fear—a Savior who loves us and who has conquered death. We do not face death alone. He is with us, and He will bring us back.

THE PRAYER: Lord, when I face death, be my strength and comfort. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Whom do you love who has died?

* When you are afraid, how do you deal with it?

* What does Jesus' resurrection mean to you personally? Mention one or two specific things.

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Whom do you love who has died?

Devocional CPTLN del 12 de abril de 2020 - "No teman"

ALIMENTO DIARIO

No teman

12 de Abril de 2020

Pero Moisés le dijo al pueblo: "No tengan miedo. Manténganse firmes, y vean la salvación que el Señor llevará hoy a cabo en favor de ustedes."

— Éxodo 14:13, RVC

Pero el ángel les dijo a las mujeres: "No teman. Yo sé que buscan a Jesús, el que fue crucificado. No está aquí, pues ha resucitado, como él dijo... vayan pronto y digan a sus discípulos que él ha resucitado de los muertos... En eso, Jesús les salió al encuentro y les dijo: ..."No teman. Vayan y den la noticia a mis hermanos, para que vayan a Galilea." Mateo 28:5-10

La muerte es aterradora. El pueblo de Israel, atrapado entre el ejército egipcio y el Mar Rojo, lo sabía. Los seguidores de Jesús lo experimentaron mientras trataban con las secuelas de su crucifixión. Yo sé esto cada vez que me ataca el asma y busco mi inhalador. Tú lo sabes cuando te enfrentas al hecho de que alguien que amas está muriendo y no hay nada que puedas hacer para evitarlo.

Dios sabe que tenemos miedo, y su corazón está con nosotros. Y entonces nos dice: "No teman" (Mateo 28:10); "No tengan miedo. Manténganse firmes, y vean la salvación que el Señor llevará hoy a cabo en favor de ustedes" (Éxodo 14:13); " Fíjense en que yo hago algo nuevo, que pronto saldrá a la luz. ¿Acaso no lo saben?" (Isaías 43:19).

A todos nuestros temores, Dios dio una respuesta abrumadora y eterna: resucitó a Jesús de entre los muertos. Jesús es la garantía de nuestra propia resurrección, porque todos los que confían en él compartirán su victoria. Es por eso que podemos decir con Pablo: "Devorada será la muerte por la victoria" ¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu aguijón? ¿Dónde, oh sepulcro, tu victoria? ¡Pero gracias sean dadas a Dios, de que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo!" (1 Corintios 15:54-55, 57).

Esta es la respuesta a nuestro miedo: un Salvador que nos ama y que ha conquistado la muerte. No nos enfrentamos a la muerte solos. Él está con nosotros y nos resucitará.

ORACIÓN: Señor, sé mi fortaleza y mi consuelo cuando me enfrente a la muerte. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

* Cuando tienes miedo, ¿cómo lo enfrentas?

* ¿Qué significa para ti la resurrección de Jesús? Menciona una o dos cosas específicas.

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Cuando tienes miedo, ¿cómo lo enfrentas?

Unser Täglich Brot - Überwundene Trauer

Überwundene Trauer

Lesung: Johannes 20,11-18 | Die Bibel in einem Jahr: 1. Samuel 19-21; Lukas 11,29-54

MP3 herunterladen

Ich habe den Herrn gesehen! — Johannes 20,18

Laut Jim und Jamie Dutcher, Filmemacher, die für ihr Wissen über Wölfe bekannt sind, wedeln Wölfe, wenn sie glücklich sind, mit dem Schwanz und tollen herum. Aber nach dem Tod eines Rudelmitglieds trauern sie wochenlang. Sie besuchen den Ort, an dem das Rudelmitglied gestorben ist und zeigen Trauer durch herabhängende Schwänze und trauriges Geheule.

Trauer ist eine starke Emotion, die wir alle erlebt haben, insbesondere beim Tod eines geliebten Menschen oder einer zerstörten großen Hoffnung. Maria Magdalena hat es erlebt. Sie gehörte zu den Anhängern Christi und reiste mit ihm und seinen Jüngern (Lukas 8,1-3). Aber sein grausamer Tod am Kreuz trennte sie jetzt. Das Einzige, was Maria für Jesus noch tun konnte, war, seinen Körper für das Begräbnis zu salben, eine Aufgabe, die durch den Sabbat unterbrochen worden war. Aber stell dir vor, wie Maria sich gefühlt haben muss, als sie am Grab ankam und keinen leblosen Körper fand, sondern einen lebendigen Retter! Obwohl sie den Mann, der vor ihr stand, zunächst nicht erkannt hatte, verriet ihr der Klang, wie er ihren Namen aussprach, wer er war – Jesus! Sofort verwandelte sich Trauer in Freude. Maria hatte nun freudige Neuigkeiten zu berichten: „Ich habe den Herrn gesehen!“ (Johannes 20,18).

Jesus ist in unsere dunkle Welt gekommen, um Freiheit und Leben zu bringen. Seine Auferstehung ist ein Fest der Tatsache, dass er das vollbracht hat, was er vorhatte. Wie Maria können wir die Auferstehung Christi feiern und die gute Nachricht verbreiten, dass er lebt! Halleluja!

Wann hast du eine Zeit erlebt, in der deine Traurigkeit zur Freude wurde? Wie kannst du diese Woche die Nachricht von der Auferstehung Christi weitergeben?

 Jesus, ich feiere deine Auferstehung und das neue Leben, das ich in dir erleben kann.

 Von Linda Washington

© 2020 Unser Täglich Brot
Laut Jim und Jamie Dutcher, Filmemacher, die für ihr Wissen über Wölfe bekannt sind, wedeln Wölfe, wenn sie glücklich sind, mit dem Schwanz und tollen herum. Aber nach dem Tod eines Rudelmitglieds trauern sie wochenlang. Sie besuchen den Ort, an dem das Rudelmitglied gestorben ist und zeigen Trauer durch herabhängende Schwänze und trauriges Geheule.