The Power of Death and Resurrection
As we journey through the season of Lent, it’s essential to remember that at its culmination stands a tomb. The life of Jesus was marked by an unwavering march towards death, a fate that was both his job description and destiny. Yet, death was not the end of the story. What seemed like a crushing defeat turned out to be the greatest victory of divine power and grace the world has ever known.
The Empty Tomb: A Promise of Completion
The empty tomb is a glorious testament to God’s redemptive work. It promises that He will never leave His work half done, but will complete everything necessary for His chosen children to experience the full range of blessings from His grace. This assurance is what makes the 40-day Lenten devotional so meaningful, as we’re invited to find freedom from the world and follow Jesus more faithfully.
Your Death and Resurrection
However, there’s a surprising and perhaps discouraging truth: at the end of Lent stands your death as well. During this season, we’re called to contemplate the shocking, cruel death of Jesus, and in doing so, we’re reminded that death is required of every follower of Christ. But here’s the paradox: death is the pathway to life. As Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
The Call to Die
Throughout the Bible, we see this theme of death and resurrection. We’re called to die to sin, to our own desires, and to our self-appointed sovereignty. This death is both an event and a process, as we’re united with Christ in His death and resurrection. It’s a daily scanning of our lives to see where things still live in us that should not live, and praying for the strength to die once again.
Celebrating the Victory of Grace
This season, take time to scan your heart and life. Look for those places where you still need to die to self. Cry out for the willingness to take up your cross and follow Jesus in His death. Celebrate the fact that dying to self is never a defeat, but another step in the ongoing victories of grace that can be yours because you’ve been united with Jesus in His death and resurrection.
A New Life Awaits
Lent calls you to die, but that’s a good thing! For everywhere you die, you’ll be resurrected to new life in that area. It’s the continuing work of sanctifying grace, liberating you from the power of sin and giving you new life in Christ. So, let’s journey together through this season of Lent, embracing the power of death and resurrection, and finding new life in the process.
Scriptures for Reflection
- Luke 9:23
- Mark 8:35
- John 12:24
- Matthew 10:38
- Galatians 2:20
- Romans 6:1-4
- 1 Peter 2:24
- 1 Corinthians 15:31
- Romans 12:1
May these scriptures guide you as you reflect on the power of death and resurrection during this Lenten season.
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