Weekly Devotional for April 24th 2011
RESURRECTION OR RELIGION?
When we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let’s embrace His glorious triumph with a personal response of praise, thanksgiving, and awe. The tomb is EMPTY (Matthew 28:6)! The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, opening the way back to God (Matthew 27:51a; Hebrews 10:19-20). Those powerful words, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), declared that full payment for man’s sin has been made (Hebrews 9:26).
Jesus blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (Colossians 2:14)so that we receive “forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) What a glorious truth, that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)! Sadly though, Resurrection Sunday for many is practiced traditionally, as opposed to being experienced personally. Head knowledge of the facts of Christ’s resurrection doesn’t save anyone. Even the devil has the historical facts correct.
Let me ask you these questions: Has the Biblical implication of Resurrection Sunday changed your life? Are you “born again” (John 3:3-7)? Does the Holy Spirit of God dwell in you (John 14:16-17)? Are you living obedient to Jesus (John 15:10)? Are you yielded to Jesus Christ in your daily life (Romans 12:1,2)?
If today is the day that you realize salvation is being offered to you, do not be blinded by tradition (Hebrews 3:15; Mark 7:13a). The empty tomb is greater than Protestantism, Catholicism, or any other “ism”. Jesus is alive today and He is seated at the right hand of God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24; Romans 8:34).
The apostle Peter declared, “He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36), but, is He your Lord? Have you received Him (John 1:12)? If so, are you faithfully following Him (Matthew 4:19)? Don’t accept a substitute for Jesus! Don’t allow the god of this world to blind you for a single moment longer (2 Corinthians 4:4). Take God’s gift into your heart today (Romans 6:23), and celebrate His resurrection every day (1 John 1:3,4)!