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unchanging: The Resurrection
Daily Devotions for March 24-28
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"He is not here, He has risen, just as He said."
Matthew 28:6
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MONDAY, March 24
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He is risen indeed! This is the joy of all who place their trust in Jesus. In the last few weeks, our series has taken us through the reality of sin and God's desire to redeem us. We celebrate the pinnacle of God's redemptive work. Friday, the brutality of the cross. Sunday, the glory of the resurrection. Once and for all, Christ died and rose from the grave. His sacrifice did what no other sacrifice could do. Read Hebrews 10:1-18. These verses talk about sacrifices required by the law and the sacrifice of Jesus. Describe how the sacrifices according to the law were inadequate.
How was the sacrifice of Jesus different?
What could the daily sacrifices of the priest never do?
Christ's sacrifice was final and offered forgiveness of sin. The end of this passage speaks of the new covenant made through the blood of Christ. Before you pray today, read verses 17 and 18 several times. We must know and live in this truth. As you pray, thank God for the all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus.
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TUESDAY, March 25
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While watching the evening news recently, I heard another heartbreaking story of a soldier killed in Iraq. As the death toll pushes 4,000, it seems that many surviving family members share the same concern. They are hopeful that their soldier's death would not be in vain. Similarly, the Apostle Paul was determined that the death of Christ would not be in vain. In the passage we look at today, Paul specifically refers to our response to Christ's sacrifice. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. According to verses 14 and 15, how does Paul think our lives should change in light of Jesus' death and resurrection?
Describe the ministry we have been given.
How would you behave differently today if you took verse 17 to heart?
Before you pray today, take some time to memorize verse 17.
Pray that God would inspire and empower you to be a minister of reconciliation. Pray that the death of Christ would not be in vain, but would be life to those who believe in Him and live their lives for Him.
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WEDNESDAY, March 26
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Yesterday, you memorized a verse that speaks of God's power to change us. We are a new creation in Christ. The old has gone and the new has come. It is important to understand this critical exchange came at a great price. Think of it like this. Jesus died a death He did not deserve so that we could live a life we do not deserve. How then do we live this life? Read Galatians 2:20-21. What do you think it means to be crucified with Christ?
These verses suggest that as followers of Christ, we live for Him and die to ourselves. In what ways do you see Christ living in you?
In what ways do you see yourself living for you?
The battle for the rule of our lives is ongoing. We must constantly seek the "Christ lives in me" part of verse 20. I once heard a pastor say that Jesus should be president not just resident in our lives. As you pray today, ask God to rid you of yourself so that Christ may live more fully in you.
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THURSDAY, March 27
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So far this week, we have looked at some of the realities of Jesus' death and resurrection. It is an awe-inspiring thing to consider God's amazing grace. Though we were dead in sin, He gave us life. At our men's retreat in January, Voddie Baucham reminded us of our "deadness" as a result of sin. While we often speak of being rescued from sin, Voddie asked an interesting question. "Have you ever heard a dead man cry for help?" You see, we weren't hanging on by a thread or gasping for breath. We were dead. By God's grace and through the blood of Jesus, we have been given life. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. According to the first three verses, how did our sin cause us to live?
In verses 4-7, what is the result of being alive in Christ?
I don't know about you, but this makes me want to stand up and shout! I am alive in Christ! Now, take a few minutes to meditate on verses 8-10. Write down your thoughts.
Thank God today for His amazing grace. Thank Him for the kindness expressed through Jesus. Thank Him for the life you have received through Jesus.
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FRIDAY, March 28
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We have looked this week at God's grace expressed through the cross of Christ. It is an act of love that changed history and each of our lives. After the resurrection, Jesus spent a few days on earth before ascending to the right hand of the Father. Before He ascended, Jesus promised to leave a Comforter who is the Holy Spirit. Sunday, Pastor Rob will speak to us about the transforming power of the Spirit.
As you prepare for Sunday, read Psalm 113. As you pray, ask God to ready your heart to receive His word.
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Brian Hogan
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
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