“Rejoice in the Lord always…” – Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
Easter comes each year with a reminder of a truth that is eternal and universal.
After the resurrection, Jesus remained on Earth for forty days. Many of the disciples saw Him and were convinced that He had indeed risen. He then returned to God, His Father in heaven.
Here are a few things that should give us cause to rejoice because of His resurrection:
- In Luke 10:20, the Lord Jesus says, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” This occurs when we serve Him diligently and give our hearts to Him.
- “I rejoice at your Word as one who finds great treasure,” says the Psalmist in Psalm 119:162 (NKJV). Because of the resurrection, this should also be our experience.
- Paul declares in Philippians 1:18 (NKJV), “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Yes, let’s rejoice when Christ is preached, as more will get to know Him.
- The Apostle Paul also encourages us to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12). Doing these, among other things, makes us living sacrifices of God – good vessels for Him to use.
Catherine Marshall encourages us as children of God, saying, “Of course, you will encounter trouble, but behold a God of power who can take any evil and turn it into a door of hope.”
Christian joy has its own source in the Lord Jesus; He is our Saviour. The empty tomb on Easter morning reminds us that Jesus, the Son of God, became man to redeem us from our sins. Rejoice!
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to remember that every day is a cause for celebration. Help us today to keep joy in our hearts. Teach us to celebrate the life you have given us here on Earth and the eternal life that will be ours in heaven, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 John 2:2
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 43; Luke 12:35-59; Deuteronomy 11; Deuteronomy 12
