FRIDAY 8TH MARCH 2019 THEME: HE IS RISEN.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE:  FRIDAY 8TH MARCH 2019

THEME:  HE IS RISEN.

MEMORISE:

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  Matthew 28:6

READ: Matthew 28:1-6

1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

MESSAGE

The fundamental event upon which Christianity is based is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To this end, 1 Corinthians 15:17 says,

“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”

When we confess that we are born again, we are saying that we have died with Christ and have been raised back to life with Him, having a new form of life that is no longer subject to death, just like our Master. Speaking about this new life, the Master says in Revelation 1:18:

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; .”

In Romans 6:3-4, the Holy Spirit shields more light on the new life we possess through Christ’s resurrection, saying:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

While Christ’s life on earth was glorious and His death upon the cross cannot be trivialized, what is most significant is the fact that He rose from the dead to die no more. This is what gives life to our faith and makes Christianity unique. I pray that God will give you a full revelation of this truth in your Spirit.

In today’s Bible reading, it is interesting to note that just as angelic beings announced the birth of Jesus, they also announced His triumphant resurrection (Luke 2:8-14). Let’s take a closer look at the words of their declaration at His resurrection in Matthew 28:5, they said:

“……….Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.”

From these words, you should note that it is possible for angels to know the intent of your heart, and that when you seek Jesus with all your heart, someone greater than angels, in the person of the Holy Spirit is ready to guide you to Him. If you truly seek the risen Lord today, God will spare no expense to reveal Him to you. Furthermore, in Luke 24:5, we are told that the angels asked the women who sought the risen Lord:

“…………Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

Those seeking Jesus through religions whose founders are dead should learn from these words that they cannot find Him there. Some people even believe that Jesus is in every religion, but nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus Christ is risen, and whoever believes in Him will also partake of the eternal life in him. Have you received this new life?

PRAYER POINT:

Father, let Your power of resurrection quicken my mortal body today for greater exploits for You.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Romans 4-6

Isaiah 57

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 9: IN CHRIST ALONE

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.