Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Wednesday within the Octave of the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
Leave a comment

Scripture: Haggai 2:20-23 (NKJV)

20 And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying:

‘I will shake heaven and earth.

22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them; The horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

23 ‘In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

Devotion

When our loving and merciful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the cross on Good Friday an earthquake shook the earth and Jerusalem. The graves of those who had fallen asleep arose from their graves and entered the city to witness to all who would hear of the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus, Who had just won the victory over death and the grave.

Even though by all outward appearances it looked like the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, and even the devil himself, had gained the victory through the death of our Lord. In reality, their kingdom of death and grave had been overthrown. Their evil mob and their passion for the death of our Lord Jesus only appeared to have the victory; Satan and his army only appeared to defeat Christ.

But Heaven and Earth were shaken that day by our Lord Jesus, and the power of death and the grave were overthrown. Now, all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ and cling to His throne of grace in repentance have the victory in Him and His works.

Through His death and His resurrection the whole world benefited. He sent His apostles into all the world to proclaim the good news of our Lord’s salvation from sin, death and the devil. Therefore, we rejoice that our dark souls, stained with sin, have been enlightened by the light of the Christ, and we now enjoy the victory over death and the grave, and possess eternal life.

We pray: O God, Who through the resurrection of Thy Son didst win life and freedom for the world, continue, we beseech Thee, these Thy gifts unto Thy people that they both walk in perfect freedom and attain unto life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

Leave a Comment