Good Morning Waiting in Prayer Believers! Amen Wait in prayer today as you draw near in faith and trust to our Mighty God and know that the resurrection is coming! new life, renewed life and transformation lie ahead. rejoice! Pray for salvation and new life to come alive this weekend for many and even as we worship tomorrow. Who needs some Good news that you are bringing along tomorrow or sharing your hope with? I'm praying for you and them! rejoice! new life and the New Covenant is at hand! Amen
UR: Holy Saturday
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 (NIV)
On my first Easter in Greece a friend took me to an Orthodox church for the Holy Saturday nighttime service. Hundreds of people gathered for this important occasion — each bearing a long, white candle. As Resurrection Sunday dawned, the priests began chanting, “Christos Anesti” or “Christ is risen,” and passed the “holy light” from their tapers to the worshipers’ candles. Each person then passed the light along and echoed, “Christ is risen!”
Christ described not only himself as the light of the world; he told his disciples that they too are light (see Matt. 5:14). While still carrying our bright-burning candles, we slowly exited the church and walked back to our homes. What a powerful image of spreading the light of the world through the community! And we are called to share that resurrection hope wherever we go.
Easter reminds us that we, who lived in darkness, have seen a great light. May the Son’s love shine clearly through us!
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the new life we have in Christ. May we follow his guiding light in all that we do. Amen.
twfyt
ODB
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Rose Turner, a fashion psychologist at the London College of Fashion, studies the impact clothing has on how people think, how they behave, and even how clothes affect their mood. As the closest thing to our bodies, clothing forms a type of “second skin” and girds us for whatever the day might hold. For example, donning professional attire can “help with motivation and concentration” at work, and wearing vintage pieces with sentimental value can bring comfort during stressful situations.
This psychological phenomenon offers an insight into Isaiah’s prophetic words about Jesus’ sacrificial act. He records the future deliverance of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon, assuring them they would one day “rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated” in their absence (Isaiah 61:4). In that day, they would wear “a robe of his righteousness” (v. 10).
Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled first in the nation’s return to Jerusalem and then fully when “God made [Jesus] . . . sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness describes our right relationship with God when we trust in Christ’s sacrifice. God doesn’t see us outfitted in shame or disgrace because of our sin; instead, He sees us clothed in Jesus’ enduring righteousness—a “second skin” that girds us with joy today and for eternity.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
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What shame do you “put on” every day? How can you better remember your robe of righteousness?
Thank You, Jesus, for clothing me in Your righteousness.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah 61 speaks of redemption and restoration of God's people as “the year of the Lord’s favor” (v. 2). They will experience God’s grace when He sends them the “anointed” one—Jesus (see Luke 4:18-19)—to rescue and deliver them from their captivity to sin (Isaiah 61:1-3). God will bless them as His covenant people, and they will rejoice in His faithfulness, grace, goodness, and glory (vv. 4-11). In thankfulness for God’s salvation, the prophet Isaiah declared on behalf of the redeemed people: “He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness” (v. 10 nlt). God’s redeemed people will be a witness to the world that God has blessed His people with new life (v. 9).
K.T. Sim |
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Connection
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