"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)
Thursday, February 15, 2024 - Day 46 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Leviticus 20,21; Matthew 28)
CHRIST IS RISEN!
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 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; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10 ESV
While yesterday, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of the church’s season of Lent,
our Gospel reading for today is the Easter Gospel. A reading that gives the Christian great comfort and assurance.
How do we know for sure that our sins are forgiven and we are heading for heaven? The answer is found in Jesus’ empty tomb and the fact of His physical resurrection from the dead. The catechism explains it this way:
Question # 145 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.
The resurrection of Christ proves that every promise of God is true. Therefore we can trust Him in all things. What comfort and assurance that gives us in this uncertain and chaotic world!
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.
The foe was triumphant when on Calvary
The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
n Satan’s domain his hosts shouted and jeered,
For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones feared.
But short was their triumph, the Savior arose,
And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes;
The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high.
He lives, yes, He lives, and will nevermore die.
Oh, where is your sting, death? We fear you no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.
Then sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice;
Proclaim the blest tidings that all may rejoice.
Laud, honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain;
With Father and Spirit, He ever shall reign.
(“He’s Risen, He’s Risen,” LSB 480)
By: C. Ferdinand Walther
(The first President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)
Almighty God, heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort and assurance You have provided through the resurrection of You Son. What joy and holy anticipation this gives repentant sinners like me. Because He lives, I too will live. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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