Sunday Writings.....Easter.......3/27/16

Good morning on this amazing day in our heritage

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

The Empty Tomb

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.  Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.  Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,  as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.  Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.  (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

John 20:1-10

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Devotional for 3/27/16  EASTER

TRANSFORMED

Transformed means changed.  It can be a change of appearance or of substance - in other words, outward or inward alteration.

If something is outwardly transformed, it would be like a person having a makeover.  We've all seen those "before and after" images, where someone is chosen for a complete transformation - hair, makeup, clothes, shoes - the whole package.  Afterward they can be almost unrecognizable, but they are still the same person they were before.  They may act with more confidence, but they haven't really changed from within.  If they had heart disease before, they still have that.  Or if they were of Scottish descent, they would still be of that heritage. 

But if something is inwardly transformed, it actually changes form. Another word for that is metamorphosis, like when a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. It is no longer a caterpillar once it has undergone this transformation.  It isn't a caterpillar that has put on a costume with wings, it actually IS a butterfly.  

People can be inwardly transformed in different ways. One way is a complete change in behavior, such as when a defiant teenager grows up to be a grateful adult.  Accompanying their physical growth is a maturing of their attitude and actions.  Spiritual changes can also be dramatic, such as when an unbeliever becomes a Christian.  While it might also entail changes in activities, it involves something deeper - a complete change in their heart.  They cannot be an unbeliever and a Christian at the same time.  Transformation can also be seen when an addict successfully works a 12 step program and totally turns their life around.  Although all of these changes aren't necessarily permanent, they are a complete alteration.  

Our God underwent the most amazing transformation of all - He came down from heaven and took on human form, died on the cross in our place and is now risen from the dead!  He entered the "cocoon of the the tomb" but even death could not contain our Lord and Savior.  As we celebrate God's sacrifice and the miracle of Easter, remember that we are being transformed:

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit.

Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV) But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for coming down from heaven to take on human flesh, walking through all that we experience as people on earth, willingly giving up your life on the cross in our place, and being raised again to heaven where you await us with open arms.  Transform our lives, helping us to become more like you, sharing your love with others until we join you in heaven with our transformed bodies.  Forgive us when our earthly flesh pulls us away from you.  Bring us back and strengthen our faith through your Spirit, who with you and the Father are one.  In your Holy name, Amen.

written by 

Jan Andersen

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Happy & Blessed Easter

He has risen
He has risen indeed!
Praise and thanks to You 
Lord Jesus Christ

By Your sacrifice
We will live forever!
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