UNBELIEVABLE

A 40-DAY LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Easter

at MAPLE GROVE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

2014
LENT: PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR EASTER

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Easter
at MAPLE GROVE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

did not grow up in a church tradition that celebrated Lent. My understanding of Lent was limited to the observation of my catholic friends eating more fish sticks than normal in the school cafeteria. As I grew in faith, however, I also grew in my desire to properly make ready for the celebration of Easter. Lent's intention is to prepare for Easter. Traditionally, Lent prepares the believer through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial. Lasting for 40 days, Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and enduring temptation in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry. In most western traditions the Sundays do not count as part of Lent, as Sundays commemorate the weekly anniversary of the Resurrection. So, although the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter contains 46 days, Lent only counts the 40 non-Sunday days. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a significant element of our faith. As part of your journey toward Easter, we created this 40-day devotional for you. I would like you to consider using this devotional to help you personally prepare for Easter. He is risen!

Palm Sunday
APRIL 13

9:30am 11:00am
Good Friday
APRIL 18

7:00Pm
Easter Sunday
APRIL 20

8:15am 9:30am 11:00am

Pastor Jon Platek

A S H

W E D N E S D A Y

M A R C H

YOUR FAITH IS NOT USELESS

n 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, Paul writes, "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."

It is not an overstatement to say that it's not Christ's death that has saved us, but his resurrection. With him literally rising from the dead, he demonstrates his power over sin and death, both globally and specifically in our lives. Christ didn't come to make bad people good, he came to make dead people alive. We were once dead in our sin, but Christ "rescued us from the dominion of darkness" (Colossians 1) and made us "alive in Christ!" For the next 40 days, as a church we will prepare for the celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. We ask that as you make ready your heart for Easter, you start by recalling how you died in your sins and how Christ has made you alive. He literally died, became alive and rose from the dead. Your faith is not useless!

Notes:

DAY 1

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M A R C H

BECAUSE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION, WE HAVE PEACE

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Notes:

ecause Christ rose from the dead, he made us alive in Christ. One of the many things we receive from God when we are made alive is peace with God.

In John 14:27, Christ tells us, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." What kind of peace is this? It's the kind that can let you sleep during the storm. Do you recall this story from Mark 4:35-41? The story titled "Jesus Calms the Storm" could also be called "Jesus Demonstrates Peace During the Storm." The kind of peace that Christ gives us lets us restfully sleep during the stormeven in the midst of a sinking ship. Now that's peace. Had Christ not been raised from the dead, we wouldn't have this kind of peace. The resurrection of Christ means, not only new life, but a peace that really doesn't make sense one that brings a deep calm. As you prepare for Easter, prepare for being at rest when you celebrate Christ's resurrection.

DAY 2

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M A R C H

BECAUSE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION, WE HAVE MEANING

ecently, Stanford University released a study on the differential factors between meaning and happiness. In the pre-publication summary, the authors wrote, "One crucial advantage of meaning is that it is not limited to the [present]Purpose, one important component of meaningfulness, entails that present events draw meaning from future onesMeaningfulness may therefore often involve understanding one's life beyond the here and now, integrating future and past." As Christians, we integrate the past, present and future in our faith. We integrate what Christ did on the cross, how his resurrection makes us alive and the fact we will spend eternity with him. Proverbs 23:18 says, "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." When we celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday, we will celebrate not only what happened in the past, but what that event means to us in the present and for the future. Come join us as we celebrate our future hope that is grounded in the one who was raised from the dead.

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DAY 3

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M A R C H

REIGN WITH CHRIST IN ETERNITY

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Notes:

ost evangelicals don't put much thought into the notion that one day we will reign with Christ in eternity. Yet, the Scriptures do allude to this very idea. 2 Timothy 2:11-12 says, "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him."

For our purposes today, we need to see that there is a connection between Christ's death and resurrection, our death to self and life with him and reigning with him in eternity. Because Christ demonstrated his power over sin and death, he is able to reign over the earth. When we come to life through the Holy Spirit and then endure to the end, we can be assured that his resurrection means that we will also reign with him in eternity!

DAY 4

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M A R C H

1 0

THE RESURRECTION MEANS WE GET A SECOND CHANCE

he 1986 film Hoosiers tells the story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team winning the state championship.

Most people think of this movie as only a sports movie because the plot takes us from the disappointing losses at the beginning of the season to the Cinderella win at the state championship game. Yet, in an interview, Spyridon Stratigos, the technical director of the movie, said,"There's the whole theme of redemptionit's the same story you've heard a million times; it's the David and Goliathit's about how you get there. The story was really about the journey." And he's rightHoosiers isn't primarily a sports movie, it's a movie about second chances. Each and every character in the movie gets a second chance. When Christ was resurrected and conquered sin and death, each of us were given the second chance at life. "For by his grace you have been saved," Paul wrote in Ephesians 2. Our second chance is that grace saves and makes us alive in Christ. Christ gives us the ultimate second chance to live free from the bondage of sin and to have an intimate relationship with him. Praise God! He is the God of second chances!

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DAY 5

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M A R C H

1 1

THE RESURRECTION MEANS WE WILL BE DELIVERED

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Notes:

n Daniel 12:1, we read, "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your peopleeveryone whose name is found written in the bookwill be delivered."

We don't know the precise combinations of events that will fulfill this passage, but you can rest assured that whatever you're facing today, God can deliver you from it even if it's in ways you don't expect. Put your faith, trust and confidence in the one who has already demonstrated his authority and power over death and sin. You won't be disappointed!

DAY 6

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M A R C H

1 2

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY

harles Wesley wrote the hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" in 1739, less than a year after his evangelistic conversion. The first recorded singing of this song occurred at the foundry meeting house, an old building in London, that Wesley converted for religious purposes. Try to imagine an eighteenth century chorus bellowing out this song. Wesley's original version had eleven stanzas, but did not have the Alleluias that distinguish it today. Read the words from the hymn below. It is impossible not to want to shout Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply, Alleluia! Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Dying once he all doth save, Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Foll'wing our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! DAY 7

Notes:

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M A R C H

1 3

I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR (HE LIVES)

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Notes:

uring an evangelistic crusade, Reverend Alfred Ackey (1887-1960) was trying to persuade a young man to give his heart to Christ, when the man said, "Why should I worship a dead Jew?" Ackey then stated, "HE LIVES! I tell you, he is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands." Later that evening the young man gave his heart to Christ. Through this experience Ackey wrote not only the words but also the tune for the hymn "He Lives." I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today; I know that he is living, whatever men may say; I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer, And just the time I need him he's always near. He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, he lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.

DAY 8

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M A R C H

1 4

IS THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE?

hat is death? What is resurrection? People who have had near death experiencesthose who have clinically died and come back to lifetell of an experience beyond our reality. Yet the total time between their death and return to life is, at most, a few hours. The Bible has a number of resurrection stories of individuals who remained dead for more than a few hours before coming back to life. For example, Elijah raised a boy after he had died (1 Kings 17:8-24); Elisha raised the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:18-37); Jesus raised both Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:35-43); and Jesus raised Lazarus (John 11:17-44). Yet, Christ died and was dead for three days. Moreover, he came back to life by himself. Every other story in the Bible involves another person bringing the deceased back to life. The unique aspect to Christ's resurrection is this: his resurrection was performed by God alone. And best of all, his resurrection conquered sin and death for all eternity. As we celebrate Christ's resurrection, let's remember that while others have had near death experiences, only Christ's resurrection can give us life that endures forever!

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DAY 9

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M A R C H

1 5

LIFE IS BIRTHED FROM TRAGEDY

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Notes:

n John 16:21-22, Christ encouraged his disciples in what is known as the Upper Room Discourse. "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

While our world has tragedy, it is also replete with examples of how God brings people to the point of severe pain and then gives them incredible joy. Out of pain and tragedy he brings something new and fresh. During this season, we think of the pain that Christ endured. His pain enables us to have the joy of a personal relationship with him, but the pain that he went through is unbelievable. Yet "for the joy set before him" (Hebrews 12:2), Christ endured it to secure our eternal home with him.

DAY 10

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M A R C H

1 7

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

eleased in 2004, The Passion of the Christ took our society by storm. This raw portrayal of Christ is a brutal, traumatic, honest look at the intense suffering Christ endured for us on his way to the cross. In the movie, we get a visual glimpse of his love for us. In his beating and crucifixion, Christ suffered on our behalf. Be warned, however, this R-rated movie is a difficult movie to watch. Yet it reminds us of the pain and suffering Christ endured so that we might have a personal relationship with him and eternal life in heaven. You were bought with a price. Find ways this Easter to truly understand the price that was paid for you and celebrate his resurrection more deeply and humbly on Easter morning.

Notes:

DAY 11

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M A R C H

1 8

IMAGINE THE POWER OF GOD

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Notes:

s a kid did you scale mountains, fight monsters or jump over hot lava? Of course you did! Do you remember your craziest dreams? Do you ever allow yourself to marinate in your wildest hopes? In Ephesians 1:18-20, Paul reminds the church in Ephesus that the power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power at work in believers.

Imagine the breadth and scope of that power and imagine praying prayers that tap into that power. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). We might not always understand God's plan or the bigger picture, but we serve a BIG God: a God who raised Christ from the dead, a God who can abolish our sins, and a God who loves the whole world.

"To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:21)

DAY 12

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M A R C H

1 9

GOD DID FOR US WHAT WE COULD NOT DO FOR OURSELVES

n a humorous website selling demotivating posters, one particular poster, both funny and true, reads, "When you earnestly believe that you can compensate for a lack of skill by doubling your efforts, there's no end to what you can't do." Trying harder does not guarantee that you can do anything. We all have limits. It is also not within our capacity to make ourselves good enough to be accepted by God. This is why Ephesians 2:8-9 is so vital to bear in mind. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast."

Notes:

Through the resurrection, Jesus Christ proved his power over sin and death and because of who he is, he gives grace to anyone who will accept his forgiveness. That grace cannot be earned. Salvation is a gift from God. No matter how hard we try, we cannot make ourselves more acceptable, lovable, likable or eligible for God's grace. Fortunately, his resurrection has made it all possible. Take time to thank God today because he has done for you what you could not do for yourself.

DAY 13

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M A R C H

2 0

THE FULL SURRENDER

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Notes:

aniel Defoe coined the well-known phrase, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes!" Surrender to the inevitable don't fight itbecause you won't win.

In physical death, it is true we are forced to surrender to something that we can neither control nor avoid. It is entirely in the hands of God. However, there is another death that we can avoidit is the eternal separation from God. Christ conquered this death through his resurrection. Therefore, for the Christian, after death comes a new life. This is why we find Paul referring to us dying and living with Christ. "If we died with him, we will also live with him" (2 Timothy 2:11). We surrender our old selves to Christ, experience a death of who we were to be reborn and made new in Christ. When we do this, we participate in the resurrection of Christwe are given a new life that continues on to eternity! As you prepare for our celebration on Easter Sunday, take time to pray through Christ's full surrender to God at Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46; Matthew 26:46-46; Mark 14:32-42). Let the Holy Spirit teach you about the full surrender of Christ and what that means for you today. And then let God build into you something new which only he can do. Let him resurrect you!

DAY 14

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M A R C H

2 1

UNBELIEVABLE

hy is the Easter story so unbelievable? In the story of Lazarus, Jesus comforted and challenged Martha. "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26) Today, few believe in resurrection, except within the biblical text. Even in the culture surrounding the Gospel of John, resurrection was highly disputed: Pharisees believed in it, while the Sadducees didn't. Presently, few people think resurrection can still occur, and scholars still debate a resurrected Jesus.

Notes:

In the verse, Jesus ends asking Martha, "Do you believe this?" He is not only asking if she believes the unbelievable, that he is going to resurrect Lazarus, but Jesus is also asking if she trusts that he alone is the resurrection and the life, that he alone can grant eternal life. This text holds the same meaning today as it did 2,000 years ago. Christ is still the resurrection and the life, and whoever believes in him will not die a spiritual death, but live forever. For the believer, this unbelievable truth is the groundwork of faith. It provides hope, a hope of a life better than this, and this hope motivates people to press on. As Paul says many times, we are not of this world, and we need to live with eternity in mind.

DAY 15

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M A R C H

2 2

HE IS NOT HERE

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n Matthew 28:6, Mary arrives at the tomb of Jesus and an angel greets her, explaining that Jesus has risen from the dead. This account gave rise to Annie Herring's Easter song, in which she penned these glorious lyrics: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing that we can be born again. Hear the bells ringing; they're singing Christ is risen from the dead. The angel up on the tombstone said "He is risen just as he said. Quickly now, go tell his disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!" Joy to the World! He is risen, Alleluia! He's risen! Alleluia! He's risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These few lines capture well the wonder and thrill of the moment: "He is risen, just as he said." Let the wonder and the thrill fill you this season. He is risen! Alleluia!

DAY 16

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M A R C H

2 4

IN THE GARDEN
"

hinking he was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!'" (John 20:15-16)

C. Austin Mills, a pharmacist and amateur photographer, was working in his darkroom in March 1912. At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, he opened his Bible to John 20 and read the account of this meeting between Jesus and Mary. Within minutes, he wrote the words of this hymn and later that evening wrote the music that has since warmed the hearts of millions. As you read this hymn, remember the close relationship Jesus desires to have with you. Because of his resurrection, you will one day experience his presence, face-to-face, with nothing between us! I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses
Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, And he tells me I am his own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known!

Notes:

He speaks and the sound of his voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that he gave to me, Within my heart is ringing DAY 17

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M A R C H

2 5

WERE YOU THERE?

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Notes:

ne of the hymns that depicts Christ's passion and resurrection is the traditional hymn "Were You There?" The hymn's author is unknown, but the words are based on the New Testament account of Matthew 27:31-28:15. Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there? Obviously, no one alive today was physically present. However, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:22, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." While we may have not been physically there, our sin was. All of the punishments, for all the sin, of all of humanity was put on one man, Jesus. Our sin was there, and in that sense we were also there. As we prepare for our Easter celebration, this hymn will take you back to Christ's suffering and resurrection. We were there! Let's rejoice that in him, we have been resurrected to a new life in Christ!

DAY 18

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M A R C H

2 6

I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD

n John 16:33, Christ tells us that "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Trouble, turmoil, unfairness and inconsistencies can permeate life, robbing us of hope and challenging our faith. Yet Christ reminds us to take heart. Not only does his sacrifice offer us strength in this life, but hope of eternity with God. Christ has overcome the world! Because of his resurrection we can find peace in the midst of the worst that life can throw at us. Take a moment to praise God and thank him for this gift of hope.

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DAY 19

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M A R C H

2 7

DON'T LOOK BACK!

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Notes:

ecently, Jay Leno ended his successful 20-year run of hosting the Tonight Show. Garth Brooks sang two songs during the show, the first of which had these lyrics: Looking back on the memory of The dance we shared 'neath the stars above, For a moment all the world was right How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye? And now I'm glad I didn't know The way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance. Yes, my life is better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance. It seemed as if Jay had little to look forward to. Like his predecessor, Johnny Carson, Leno left on top, but by his own admission, his "best years" were in the past. A life better left to chance is likely to end like thishappy for the past, but uncertain about the future. For the Christian, our perspective is exactly the opposite. We look in the past and realize that because of Christ and his resurrection, while we have many good years behind us, our best years are yet to come. Because of him, no matter what our circumstances, our best yearsour best lifeare ahead of us.

DAY 20

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M A R C H

2 8

WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

hat do you find strikes fear in your heart? We all face fear. Many of us face fear every day. It is striking when the psalmist says, "The Lord is my light and my salvationwhom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1) Our present sufferings and turmoil in this world might seem insurmountable and unending. Fortunately, the Lord as our light can provide guidance and strength through our present afflictions. His death and resurrection confirms his sovereignty over the most evil circumstances and deliverance from the forces of death. We serve a risen Savior! And we serve without fear!

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DAY 21

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M A R C H

2 9

I WILL GO WITH YOU

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n Exodus 33, we read the story of how the Lord would talk with Moses face-to-face in the Tent of Meeting "as one speaks to a friend" (verse 11). In verse 12, Moses asked the Lord why he hadn't provided another to accompany him in leadership as he moved the Israelites to the promised land. The Lord replied to Moses with this moving promise in verse 14: "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

We always have the presence of God going with us. The Holy Spirit comes to us and makes his home with us (John 15), going with us wherever we go. And in his presence, we find resta rest that includes a peace only Christ can give. Through the death and resurrection of Christ we are now at peace with God. We can, therefore, experience the presence of God. The presence of God and the peace of God these are two gifts we receive as soon as we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. During this season of Lent, take time to enjoy the sweet, tender rest and presence of God.

DAY 22

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M A R C H

3 1

IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE

aster separates Christians from other monotheistic faiths: the belief in Christ's death and resurrection. Yet it becomes easy to say "sure I believe that" and simply live life. Hebrews 3-4 reminds us of the Israelites who followed God to the promised land and then shut their ears. "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:15)

Faith doesn't guarantee open hearts and minds. Easter serves as a powerful reminder of the core of our faith, but it should also serve as a prompt: "today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." Ask yourself, am I listening? Am I present with Christ? Or am I filling my life with distractions, avoiding the voice of God? Unlike the Israelites whose disobedience prevented them from finding rest with God (Hebrews 3:16-19), Christ enables us to find rest. Yet our faith shouldn't be passive. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12-13) If God is calling you, knocking on the door of your heart, listen.

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DAY 23

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A P R I L

PRESS ON TO TAKE HOLD

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n Philippians 3:12-14, we read, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Paul wrote that he "pressed on" to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him, a personal relationship with him. Think about the suffering, death and then the resurrection of Christ. He did all that so that he could "take hold" of us. Entering into a personal relationship with Christ is just the beginning. After that, we need to press on to deepen our relationship with him. Let us not grow weary in pressing on. Christ endured more than we ever will to take hold of us. So keep going and press on!

DAY 24

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A P R I L

SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE

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hen Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, 'Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 8:18-19)
Simon thought that the things of God could be bought. He saw the power of God and in his arrogance, thought he could secure it without having to fully surrender to God. Let's remember that the things we really desire in life cannot be purchasedno matter the price. Consider: Money can buy excitement, but it cannot buy satisfaction Money can buy medicine, but it cannot buy health Money can buy access, but it cannot buy acceptance Money can buy companionship, but it cannot buy intimacy Money can buy protection, but it cannot buy security Money can buy advice, but it cannot buy wisdom The things we desire most in lifeacceptance, intimacy and forgivenesscannot be bought with money, but they have been purchased by the blood of Christ in his death and resurrection. You need not be rich to have it all. What each of us really desires can only be found here and in the person of Jesus Christ. DAY 25

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A P R I L

A FAIR EXCHANGE?

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n Philippians 3:8, Paul writes, "I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ"

Have you ever considered that in his death and resurrection, Christ lost everything so that he could gain our hearts and our love? In his humanity, he gave up position, status, wealth, powereverythingso that he could gain you and I. This is what Frances Havergal, a singer with the Philharmonic Orchestra, learned throughout her life. At one point in her life, she committed herself to singing only what would directly bring glory to God. Later on, she gave away her wealth, including all her jewelry, to a local Christian charity. She remarked in a letter to a friend "I don't think I need to tell you never have I packed a box with such great joy!" While her name is not familiar to us, her work certainly is. Out of her growing commitment and dedication to Christ, she wrote the hymn "Take My Life and Let it Be." This hymn reflects not only what was in her heart, but also the hearts of millions of Christians who deeply desire to consider everything a loss when compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ!

DAY 26

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A P R I L

A SIMPLE JAR FOR THE GREATEST TREASURE

"

ut we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Jars of clay implies something inferior and expendable. Paul calls himself as an ordinary, everyday vessel carrying an invaluable treasure. Such an image underscores his weakness. An earthen vessel is fragile, prone to breakage, easily chipped and cracked, offering little protection for the treasure. The image emphasizes the contrast between Paul's own pitiful weakness and the great power of God. Why put treasure in an earthen jar, and divine treasure at that? To show that the treasure is not the jar, in other words, to show that this all-surpassing power of new life in Christ is from God and not from us. We are basically cracked pots. We are jars of clay. You may not feel particularly special, smart, witty or useful today, but God will shine his love through you.

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DAY 27

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A P R I L

STRETCHED, BUT NOT BROKEN

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Notes:

ave you ever stretched a rubber band until it broke? Have you ever felt like you were that rubber band being stretched beyond your limits, on the verge of breaking? Yesterday we learned that God chose fragile jars to show his regenerating power. Paul continues this analogy to give suffering meaning and an eternal context."We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) Consider more observations in this passage: Perplexity is real, but does not lead to disillusionment. Persecution is fierce, but you are not alone. You may be knocked down, but you can get up. How can Paul write this with such confidence? Jesus was crushed so you won't be. Jesus was abandoned so you won't be. Jesus was in despair so you can have peace. Jesus was knocked down in death and an Easter morning he got up again.

DAY 28

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A P R I L

LIVING DAILY THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

"

e always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." (2 Corinthians 4.10)

It's through our mortality and fallibility that Christ's light is revealed. Later in this chapter, Paul will write that our "momentary and light afflictions" will achieve for us an "eternal glory" that will far exceed whatever suffering we're presently enduring (verse 17). If you're going through trials and turmoil today, be encouraged to lean into the arms of Christ. Your trials may leave you weary, but let the life that only Christ can give shine through you. Doing so will encourage others and give you an inner strength and endurance that you would not otherwise have had.

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DAY 29

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A P R I L

YOU WILL FIND HIM WHOLLY TRUE

I
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n 1876 Frances Havergal caught a severe cold inflaming her lungs. Even though the doctors told her she would probably die, she expressed peace, knowing she would soon be with the Lord. Ironically, earlier that year she had written the hymn "Like a River Glorious," which sings of the peace that only Christ can give. Havergal's hymn highlights our experience of God's peace in a tender and poignant way. Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace, Over all victorious, in its bright increase; Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day, Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way Refrain: Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest. Finding, as he promised, perfect peace and rest. Hidden in the hollow of his blessed hand, Never foe can follow, never traitor stand; Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there Every joy or trial falleth from above, Traced upon our dial by the sun of love; We may trust him fully all for us to do; They who trust him wholly find him wholly true

DAY 30

W E D N E S D A Y

A P R I L

HE IS WILLING! BE CLEAN!

ead Matthew 8:1-4. In this story, amidst the large crowds following him, Jesus pays attention not to the crowds, but to society's outcasts. Not only does Christ touch the man and make him clean, but he wants to do this.

When you consider all Christ endured on the cross and his resurrection, does it ever occur to you that he wanted to do this? Christ came to heal the sick and save the lost. He didn't come because God forced him. No, he came willingly. He came wanting to cleanse us. And he still wants to do this todayto cleanse us of our sins and offer us an eternal life with him that far surpasses anything we could ever hope for or experience on this earth. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? You can, right nowjust by asking him into your life. You can start a new life by praying this prayer or something similar to itput it in your own words if you'd like. God, I admit I am a sinner. I have sinned against you. Would you please forgive my sin and cleanse me? Since you gave your life to save me, I'll give you the rest of my days on this earth. Please come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. If you have just asked God into your life, would you please tell someone today? And start growing in your relationship with Christ by attending church this Sunday. Christ is willing! Be cleansed! DAY 31

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T H U R S D A Y

A P R I L

1 0

THE ULTIMATE MAKEOVER

T
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he show Extreme Makeover, equated a total makeover of the outside with an experience that changes "lives and destinies." With a new hair cut and fresh makeup, it's easy to change the outside. However, the inside (our hearts): now that's a different matter! When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we receive a new nature, not just a new exterior. Christ gives us lasting, effective changes that can happen only through the supernatural power of Jesus Christ. Ephesians chapter 2 begins: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sinsBut because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressionsit is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."

Only Jesus Christ can take that which is dead and make it alive. Rejoice over the spiritual makeover that belongs to each of us because Jesus rose from the dead and shares his life with us!

DAY 32

F R I D A Y

A P R I L

1 1

THE MIGHTY PROPHET

ead Matthew 21:12-15. Our gentle King goes directly to the temple after entering Jerusalem and drives out those buying and selling religious artifacts.

Our humble King who rides into Jerusalem on a donkey is also mighty. Our loving prophet is also zealous for the purity of his church and a healer of those who cannot heal themselves. These paradoxes are captured wonderfully in Graham Kendrick's song "Meekness and Majesty." Meekness and majesty, manhood and deity, In perfect harmony, the man who is God. Lord of eternity, dwells in humanity, Kneels in humility, and washes our feet. Father's pure radiance, perfect in innocence, Yet learns obedience, to death on a cross. Suffering to give us life, conquering through sacrifice, And as they crucify, prays: "Father forgive." Wisdom unsearchable, God the invisible, Love indestructible, in frailty appears. Lord of infinity, stooping so tenderly, Lifts our humanity, to the heights of his throne. O what a mystery, meekness and majesty. Bow down and worship, for this is your God, this is your God. Amen. Let us bow down and worship the humble King who is the mighty Prophet. DAY 33

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1 2

THE MODEST ENTRY

M
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atthew 21:1-11 accounts Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, five days before his crucifixion. We celebrate this arrival on Palm Sunday, named for the people waving palm branches to hail Christ's entry into the city. Yet that's not a triumphal entryinstead, the King of Kings arrives on a donkey. Matthew quotes Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! 'See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" Matthew wants us to focus on this: Christ comes into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Don't gloss over this. A donkeythe most earthly of the work animalsbears a king as he rides into Jerusalem. Jesus is Emmanuel (God with us) and arrives in a truly human way: God on a donkey. On this Palm Sunday, reflect on the one who humbled himself so he could give his life to save you. And consider bowing in worship to the one who humbled himself so he could give his life to save you.

DAY 34

M O N D A Y

A P R I L

1 4

THE PASSOVER OF THE WORLD

"

hen Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 'As you know, the Passover is two days awayand the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.'" (Matthew 26:1-2)
Jesus plainly tells his disciples that he will be handed over to be crucified. The greek word used for handed over is the same word used no less than 14 times in Matthew 26-27. Everybody, it seems, is handing Jesus over to somebody else: Judas hands Christ over to the high priests; the high priests hand him over to Pilate; Pilate hands him over to the soldiers; and the soldiers hand Christ over to death. Above, beneath, behind and within, the handover of Christ becomes the Passover of the world! Where once the angel of death passed over the blood on the doorposts of believing Israelites' homes, the blood and resurrection of Jesus shields the doors of believing disciples' hearts. We learn the depth of Christ's love and the fullness of his forgiveness. And so, we hand over our hearts to him so that he can pass over our sin and bring us into his kingdom. This is the essence of the Gospel!

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DAY 35

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A P R I L

1 5

TRANSFORMING DISILLUSIONMENT INTO COMMITMENT

T
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he stage is set. In Matthew 26:20-35, Judas, disillusioned with Christ, has already set into motion his betrayal and we witness Christ's last meal before going to the cross. In Judas, we see someone who was close to Christ for three years and yet found him lacking. Jesus didn't fulfill his expectations, so Judas betrayed him. Have you found yourself disillusioned with God? Have you found yourself disappointed by him? You are not alone. Just as Jacob did in Genesis 32:22-31, we can wrestle with God. Don't ignore your frustrations, rather bring them before him. Wrestle with him and let him transform you on the inside, turning your disillusionment and disappointment into clarity and excitement. Ask him to help you find in his resurrection the fulfillment of all your expectations. Let him melt your misgivings into a confidence and faith that transforms you into one who is fully committed to him. Let him do a work in you that is beyond anything you could imagine. You will not be disappointed in the outcome.

DAY 36

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1 6

WATCH AND PRAY

t Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), Christ takes his disciples to be with him while he prays. He knows the betrayer is coming and he knows the suffering that awaits him. So he prays. Christ asks his disciples to keep watch with him (verse 38). Three times Christ goes away to pray and three times he comes back only to find his disciples asleep.

Notes:

Peter claims to have strength (verse 35), yet at the first test of strength, in the unlikely battlefield of sleep, Peter and the other disciples fail. Christ warns them "watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (verse 41). Soon, Peter will deny Christ three timesthree denials in the courtyard, following his three naps in the garden. If we are not in prayer, then we cannot resist temptation or align our hearts and minds with God's will. If we do not pray, we cannot receive God's direction or be led by the Holy Spirit. Prayer centers the Christian life. Give yourself wholly and fully to prayer. Put down this devotional guide and go pray right now. Don't wait. And let God bring your heart and mind in line with his.

DAY 37

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1 7

THE TORN VEIL

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he moment Christ gave up his life on this earth, the curtain of the temple tore in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). Described in Exodus 26:31-33; 36:35; 2 Chronicles 3:14, the inner curtain, separates the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place. Strands of blue, purple and scarlet are woven together to form a group of cherubim, the guardian angels of God's holiness symbolically barring the way into the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest, and only once a year, could enter the Holy of Holies and be in God's presence. The death of Christ broke apart that barrier to God's presence making the Old Testament sacrificial system and the Levitical high priesthood obsolete. The tearing of the veil signifies the obsolescence of the temple ritual and law. Jesus himself is the New Temple, the meeting place of God and man! Our sin acts as the curtain that keeps us from the presence of God. When we confess our sins we experience Christ's presence. You get to be in the presence of God. Because Jesus bore the burden of your sin, the barrier between God and man is gone. No matter what your sin, you can enter and be in the presence of God.

DAY 38

G O O D

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A P R I L

1 8

SEEK AND FIND

n Matthew 28:1, the Marys visit Christ's tomb only to find it empty and the stone rolled away. The angel sitting on top of the stone said to the women, "I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risengo quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him" (verses 5-7). Not only did the women receive the news that Christ had risen, but they had the hope of finding him. Imagine their disappointment if the angel had told them "Christ is risen, but you can't see him." Instead, the angel gave them clear instructions: tell the disciples, head to Galilee. They just needed to trust the angel and obey, believing they would find Jesus.

Notes:

Did you know that you can find Jesus, right now? Do you realize that he wants to be found? If you'll look, you will find him. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9)

DAY 39

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1 9

THE FLAME IS TRANSFERRED

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hroughout the Scriptures, there is a process repeated several times when a man of God is taken away, leaving the ministry to his protg. We see this when the leading of Israel passes from Moses to Joshua. We see this when the prophetic ministry passes from Elijah to Elisha. And we see it when Christ leaves and passes his ministry to the disciples and ultimately to us. The effects of Christ's resurrection are felt through our service to him, reaching the world with the good news of Christ's redemption and forgiveness of sin. We tell others about his regenerating power. We offer the lost, broken and lonely the opportunity to be found, forgiven and accepted. The flame of the gospel transferred 2,000 years ago to the disciples when Christ left this world and sent his Holy Spirit to make his home with us (John 14:23). Through successive generations, it has since transferred to us. And one day, if the Lord tarries, we will transfer this flame to younger generations. Consider to whom you can pass the flame of the gospel to. He is risen! Hallelujah!

DAY 40

Palm Sunday
APRIL 13

9:30am 11:00am

Good Friday
APRIL 18

7:00pm

Easter Sunday
APRIL 20

8:15am 9:30am 11:00am

MAPLE GROVE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 8585 Rice Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55369 763.420.6485 mgefc.org