Daily Devotional

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  • REJOICING UPON RECOGNIZING THE RESURRECTED REDEEMER
    

    




    It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together 
    




    with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. 
    




    “Peace be with you!” He said to them. 
    




    After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. 
    




    The disciples rejoicedG5463 when they saw the Lord.
    




    John 20:19-20
    




    The disciples were locked inside the room where they were staying because they were afraid the Jewish leaders would have them arrested for following Jesus. They were trying to stay inconspicuous, under the radar of the religious elite by not going out among them and being holed up behind locked doors. Suddenly, Jesus was standing in front of them. He did not knock or wait for someone to ask Him the password. He just entered through the locked doors without even opening them! Jesus, the Prince of Peace, greeted them with, “Peace be with you.” He was the only One who could restore peace to their trembling hearts. Jesus verified that it was He by bodily proof, voluntarily showing the disciples the nail scars in His hands and the hole in His side where the spear pierced Him. The disciples rejoiced when they realized it was truly Jesus, and He really had risen from the dead as He had told them beforehand—which they seem to have forgotten. Their extreme sorrow at the death of their Messiah, Teacher, and Friend and their fear after His crucifixion all melted away and was replaced by exuberant joy! The impossible was made possible by the power of God. Jesus was not a ghost but was standing in front of them in flesh and blood. He proved this when He invited Thomas who had not been there when He first appeared to the disciples to touch Him:
    




    John 20:26-28 Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”
    




    We look forward to having perfected bodies when we are with the Lord someday. However, notice that Jesus chose to retain the scars of crucifixion to prove His love and His identity to His disciples. Remember that those scars were made when Jesus died in your place and mine on the cross. Reflect on the price that was paid for our salvation and thank the Lord.
    




    Father, may we never forget the price Jesus paid to reconcile us to You! May we remember always that You resurrected Him to be the “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18) which gives us the assurance that we, too, will be raised from the dead to live with Him forever! That is a reason to REJOICE!
    




    You can reflect on the grace and love our Lord Jesus for us as you listen to Michael Card’s powerful song “Known by the Scars” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr6ji0scVyg
    




    

  • JOY FULFILLED
    

    




    Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, 
    




    so that they may be one as We are one. While I was with them, 
    




    I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. 
    




    Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, 
    




    so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. But now I am coming to You; 
    




    and I am saying these things while I am in the world, 
    




    so that they may have My joyG5479 fulfilled within them. 
    




    I have given them Your word and the world has hated them; 
    




    for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
    




    John 17:11-14
    




    God’s word and the world system are contrasted as polar opposites. When we study Scripture, we should go one step further to meditate on it, to internalize it. In other words, the truth of the Word is walked out in our everyday lives through our thinking, speaking, and interacting with family, co-workers, and strangers. The Bible brings joy because it is living; it is as relevant today as when it was first written. We can have joy because in the Word we find peace to replace anxiety: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7), power and love to replace fear: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7), and direction to replace aimlessness: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The Bible is a treasure trove of joy for those who believe. “Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jer. 15:16). “I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.” (Ps. 119:14). “I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.” (Ps. 119:162).
    




    Instead of getting angry in a traffic jam or while waiting at the doctor’s office or grocery line, try having Scripture verses on Post-It Notes™, small cards, or your phone’s lock screen. that you can read and work on memorizing while you wait. The Lord will bring those verses to mind just when you need them the most! As God’s word becomes your treasure, you will find that your treasure brings you joy.
    




    Father, may we truly treasure Your word in our hearts. Grant us the power and strength through Your Holy Spirit to live out what we have learned in Your word.