Thursday, April 7, 2005
John 20:19-21 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
SO GO!
The risen Christ Himself tells you to speak the Easter blessings which He paid for with His life-blood:
+ the forgiveness of sin
+ peace for the troubled conscience
+ power to withstand sin
+ the abiding presence of the Saviour in life and death
+ the sustaining assurance that all things work together for good to those who love God ... those who are called by Him (Romans 8).
It is the strength of the Risen Savior's own words that we are able to go forth to proclaim the blessings of Easter loudly and clearly in this world of sin and death. And many will hear ... and the powerful Word of the risen Christ will turn them from their sin and sorrow to the forgiveness and comfort He gives. His victory will become their victory. Our song will become their song. He who has called us by name, has spoken to our hearts ... he also has said, "As the Father sent me, even so send I you."
And ... He who lives never to die again has promised, "I will be with you always" (Matthew 28).
He who slumbered in the grave Is exalted now to save;
Now through Christendom it rings That the Lamb is King of kings.
Now He bids us tell abroad How the lost may be restored,
How the penitent forgiven, How we, too, may enter heaven. Hallelujah!
(TLH 190:5-6)
