January 25, 2018 - THE SIGN OF JONAH

Day 25 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 19:29-38, Psalm 23, Matthew 12:38-50)

“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ”   (Matthew 12:40)

The Scribes and Pharisees had just asked Jesus for a sign. Jesus said that the only sign they would get would come only after He had accomplished His mission. The Jewish leaders would know that He is the Son of God after His death and resurrection.

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof and guarantee of our salvation. The Catechism has a question that underscores the importance of the resurrection.

Why is Christ's resurrection so important and comforting?
Christ's resurrection proves that
A. Christ is the Son of God;
B. His doctrine is the truth;
C. The Father accepted Christ's sacrifice for the reconciliation of the world;
D. all believers in Christ will rise to eternal life.

He’s risen, He’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;
He opened death’s prison, incarnate, true Word.
Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song
While earth, sea, and mountain their praises prolong.
(He’s Risen, He’s Risen, by C.F.W. Walther, Lutheran Service Book, #480)

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us the ultimate sign of Your deity. And thank You for giving me faith in Your death and resurrection as my source of salvation. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!