Dawning of a New Era

Good Wednesday morning! What a beautiful day we have been given. Have you invited anyone to church this week? Wednesdays are the best day of the week to extend invitations for Sunday. This week we will continue our series "In His Words: Letting Jesus Speak for Himself" with "I Am the Light of the World." Our world often seems pretty dark; this darkness causes us to stumble and make mistake after mistake. Jesus' light allows us to see the dangers and temptations that lay waiting to trip us up. Here is today's devotional from "Connect the Testaments."

August 30: Dawning of a New Era

Isaiah 63:1–64:12; Luke 23:26–24:12; Job 14:1–10

Jesus’ resurrection brings a new era. Although Jesus told His disciples and loved ones that He would suffer, die, and be raised on the third day (Luke 9:22), they didn’t fully comprehend His promise. The women preparing fragrant spices and perfumes for a burial ritual fully expected to find Jesus’ body in the tomb.

Instead, at the dawn of the first day of the week, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. The women were perplexed by their discovery, but the angels challenged them, reminding them of Jesus’ promise: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he spoke to you while he was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of men who are sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise?” (Luke 24:5–7).

Jesus’ resurrection presents new hope for the disciples and those who believe in Him. It also shows that He prophesied correctly about God’s saving plan—presenting new hope for us. Jesus has the victory; death has no power over Him. By believing in Him, we share in His death and resurrection, giving us incredible hope as we face life, and death. Not only this, but we live knowing that our Savior is alive and acting on our behalf. We live in a new era.

How are you living in the hope of Jesus’ resurrection?

REBECCA VAN NOORD

John D. Barry and Rebecca Kruyswijk, Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012).

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Joe