Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

In spring, just Jesus

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Matthew 28:1-9
As the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men.

Then the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.". ...

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. And Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid."

God tells man, "Do not be afraid." I think it's my favorite Bible phrase. When Pope John Paul II spoke from his balcony to the Italians on the day he was selected as pope, he said, "I don't know much Italian. I will learn. But tonight I want to say to you, 'Do not be afraid.'"

Easter Sunday is often marked by spring daffodils, tulips, and sunshine. But not this year. It's cloudy and gray and cold and the buds are barely through the ground. As I get older and read the obituaries more closely, each spring is more precious. I have more memories and fewer plans. More aches and pains and fewer ambitions to run a race, climb a mountain, or swim across Lake Lulu.

But I feel more creative than ever. A friend told me a few days ago that his own creativity, worship and praise made him feel often that he was in "heaven here and now." Physical death has no effect on such a thing. The creative life of the spirit passes right through death. Thanks to Jesus.

Thank you, Jesus, for this day. This day when you smiled gently at Mary and reminded her not to be afraid. God is alive and magic is afoot, and there is nothing to fear but fear itself.

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, "There is nothing new under the sun." But there is much that is fresh, and beautiful, and full of joy. Almost two thousand years after Jesus' resurrection, here is a filled up song, "Christ is Exalted" written by Ryan Franklin:

God sent His Son
Incarnate word named Jesus, God and man
Humbled Himself
Born of the Virgin Mary without sin

Jesus, God of all glory
He\'s Jesus, oh, what a story
Of God's great mercy

Under the law
Born in a low condition, wrath of God
Cursed to the cross
Suffered and died, then buried
Power of death

Jesus, God of all glory
He's Jesus, oh, what a story
Of God's great mercy
Jesus, gracious Redeemer
He's Jesus, beautiful bringer
Of God's great mercy

And in rising again, ascending to heaven
He sits at the right hand of God
And in coming again to judge the world
At the last day

Christ is exalted, Christ is exalted

http://www.worshipmusic.com/9039700120.html

Devotions Archive

In spring, just Jesus

Sunday, March 23, 2008