"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 - Day 91
EASTER FOOLISHNESS
25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26 ESV)
There is a lot of foolishness associated with today. While rabbits, colored eggs, candy, and brunches are nice, for too many people, this is all that Easter means.
Jesus had to contend with Easter foolishness later in the day on that first Easter. The Emmaus disciples foolishly thought that Jesus had been defeated on the cross. Instead, the resurrection reality is that Christ won the greatest victory of all time on that Friday we call Good Friday!
The Catechism explains His victory in this fact-filled fashion:
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. God the Father accepted Christ's sacrifice for the reconciliation of the world;
D. All believers in Christ will rise to eternal life.
In foolishness, the world rejects the deity of Jesus. Unbelievers do not accept His teachings to be true. Neither do they see a need for reconciliation and the guarantee of heaven to all who repent and believe.
Paul put it this way: "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead... For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead." (1 Corinthians 15:19-21 ESV)
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today LSB 457
1. Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!
3. But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!
4. Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!
Praise Him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Link to hymn on YouTube:
I praise You, my risen Savior, for dying for me on the cross and for rising in proof that You accomplished Your saving mission. Please use me to help others who are lost in the foolishness of this world hear of Your amazing victory for all of humanity. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
No comments:
Post a Comment