Daily Devotion, April 15, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 20:19-20.

“The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” Can you imagine what that must have been like?!

  At the time of this writing, it is dawning on me, that this might be the first Easter Sunday I have ever missed to gather with other believers in person for worship. It is much easier to rejoice when all the people are gathered together, there are songs of celebration, prayers and messages of resurrection power and hope. But this year, we are quarantined in our homes with the fears of the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus in the back of our minds.

  Perhaps this year, we can better identify with the disciples who were huddled in fear for their own lives behind locked doors. The scriptures tell us, “Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” In the midst of their fears, Christ’s presence and peace were the two greatest gifts they needed.

  Notice it is Christ’s initiative to appear among them and it is Christ’s initiative to give them peace. And notice the gospel writer included that they were behind locked doors. The living Christ wasn’t hindered by locked doors.

 

  We deeply believe we serve a Risen Savior who is present with us in the world today. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” It is believed that John’s first chapter was written by the gospel writer after he had written the other parts of his gospel. 

  And John 20:31 says, “But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life in His name.” 

  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord! Perhaps they were rejoicing with such fervor that they forgot about their fears which were keeping them silent. In those moments, they realized that Christ is the victor over the grave! They had been given new life, hope and the Holy Spirit which empowered them to give their witness against all their fears!

Personal Worship Option:

Even when we can’t be out and about, Rejoice! The Word became flesh to dwell with you and to give you peace. The Living Christ is with you today in such a way to help you overcome your fears so that you are empowered to help others know Christ is with them, too, and gives them peace.