April 4, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for April 4th: Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Mark 16:1-8; Theme: Resurrection of Jesus Christ; Song: Christ the Lord is Risen UMH 302 Mark: It is the women who always take the lead in the resurrection story. As Jesus had gathering his disciples together for a final teaching it is a woman who anoints his feet. Now we start out the resurrection story with the women needing to reach Jesus body to anoint the people’s king for a proper burial. While they are traveling in the dark, they have no idea that the true king has risen. He has already been anointed by God to lead the disciples to true spiritual freedom. During that dark morning, they have no idea of what they will see when they reach the tomb. They did not see anything but an empty tomb. But their hearts were still filled with heart. An angel is there to tell them that the mission continues, and they will find their own salvation in reaching out and helping others. Psalms 118: Easter is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. This psalm was more than likely a song sung as pilgrims finally made it to the temple in Jerusalem. It is also a special psalm for Christians because it recounts the salvation event from beginning to end. It starts out with persecution and doubt. The stone that the builders rejected turns out to be the cornerstone of faith. Martin Luther quotes this prayer when he writes on the wall of prison: “I shall not die, I shall live and recount the ways of the Lord”. Once he recounts how his life turned around from bad to good- then he celebrates the mercy of the lord. Easter is the day that we all celebrate the day the lord overcame all of our struggles. This is the Day that the Lord has made – Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Questions: Do you know the resurrection story by heart? What is new about this story this year? What have you overcome within this year? What gives you the strength to face the future?