Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 31, 2016
By Tripp Prince.
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11
From the domestication of fire and the invention of the wheel, to air travel and the creation of the Internet, human beings have achieved remarkable things. Yet in spite of all of our advancements and accomplishments, the resurrection of Jesus forces us to come to terms with our limitations and shortcomings.
Simply put, we are not all-powerful or all-knowing, neither are we self-originating or self-sustaining. Though we try to deny it, we are all running a losing race with time and daily feel the effects of sin and death on our bodies, families, and communities.
However, the discovery of our brokenness is the very way we enter into a life of worship, wonder, and overwhelming joy!
In this Easter season we celebrate God’s great victory over sin and death in the resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. In doing so, we enter into a glorious encounter with the power of God that triumphs over our weaknesses and inabilities. In the resurrection we see the pure display of divine love toward needy and broken people like us. And when we focus fully on the wonder of God’s power to accomplish the impossible, we join hearts with the Psalmist and say, “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad” (Psalm 118:23-24).
Let this day be a day of great rejoicing! We join with the church in heaven and earth and say “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death!” We turn away from sorrow and despair, thinking not of our failures or limitations but of the limitless love and power of God. And in light of God’s miraculous intervention in the death and resurrection of Jesus, we commit ourselves afresh to following the risen Christ as his faithful disciples, turning away from sin and death and walking afresh in the transformative life of the Spirit. As the great hymnist Charles Wesley put it,
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
This, indeed, is cause for great joy!
Prayer
Father, may we turn away from the old life of sin and death and encounter you afresh in the power and hope of the resurrection.Application
In what ways can you deepen your dependence upon God and move away from self-reliance and self-sufficiency?Related Reading
Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:21; 1 Peter 1:3Post/Tweet today
The resurrection of Jesus forces us to come to terms with our limitations and shortcomings. #WisdomHunters #resurrectionlifeWorship Resource
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