
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now I have told you.’” Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)
This year, I want to let the reality of Easter reach beyond just one Sunday. I desperately need the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice to settle in to the deepest places of my heart. I don’t know what hard realities you’ve been facing lately, but I have a suspicion that maybe you can relate to this same sense of desperation.
I know what glorious things this Holy Day says to the world at large.
But what does Jesus want me to know, to think about, to wrestle through at this time of year? This season of new beginnings. Of resurrection. Of healing.
So, I'm asking the Lord to specifically reveal and heal things within me in these days leading up to Easter.
After all, Easter is no longer a ritual to me. It's a revelation. A time where Jesus splits my soul along the fault line of a scar deep within to bring dead things alive. Places where there’s been a wounding but not yet a full healing. Places where I’m not living fully alive in Christ.
But first, I must take time to ask Jesus to reveal what needs to be resurrected within my heart this year.
Is it a more passionate intentionality to replace complacency that can so easily creep in to my Scripture study and prayer time?
Is it a deeper sense of trust in God to replace fear that holds me back and sometimes holds me hostage?
Is it forgiving someone who’s hurt me deeply but has never recognized they did so?
This is why I must look to Jesus. Because to Jesus ... I was loved so much that He gave His life for me. It feels so personal. Even though I know God so loved the world that He gave His Son, it becomes very individual if we let it.
Be personal.
With Jesus.
Yes.
So, let’s take a moment to sit with Him.
I keep my Bible open to the place where the angel spoke to the women at the tomb. And I tangle my thoughts around His words from Matthew 28:5-7, as these 6 prayers emerge …
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Yes, let this miraculous Easter be personal, prayerful, powerful for our hearts.
Dear Lord, I want to let Your Truth sink deep down into my heart and soul today. Help me stay focused on You. And I pray for the many who will understand for the first time this Easter Sunday that You are risen. Wash over every soul with fresh hope and overwhelming joy. Bring new life as only You can. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
1 John 3:16a, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." (NIV)
Do you need a reminder that you are seen, known and loved by God? You can order Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close here.
You can connect with Lysa on a daily basis on her Facebook and Instagram.
How can you purposefully let Easter linger a bit longer this year? Join in the conversation here today.
© 2019 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Join the Conversation