March 12

He Has Risen!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 38:1-12 | Numbers 16:41- 18:32 | Mark 16:1-20 |  Proverbs 11:7

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 16

“‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said, ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you’’” (Mark 16:6-7 NIV).

There is hope! The resurrection is a reminder of the undying hope that is ours in Christ. Even death couldn’t conquer the Lord Jesus. When things are darkest, he brings light. When things seem impossible, he brings hope.

There is a second chance! Note that Peter is singled out as especially needing to hear this message. He had denied Christ, but Jesus wanted him to know that He had not given up on him. The resurrection story is the reminder that even after our failures, Jesus calls us back into fellowship with himself. He was not done with Peter. He is not done with you either.

There is no reason for fear! “Don’t be alarmed” (6). The unexpected, the unknown and the unseen can be causes for fear. The resurrection is the reminder that he is with us through it all. He has not forgotten about us. He is there. There is no reason for fear.

God of Hope, thank you for the realization that when things are darkest you bring hope. When we feel that we’ve failed you bring a second chance. Replace our fears with hope, our doubts with faith and expectation. Amen.