Wednesday 15th April | Zara Tipples
Readings
Reflection
Psalm 113 illustrates to us God’s kindness. He is a caring father; one who ‘raises the poor from the dust’ and ‘seats them with the princes of his people’. His mercy is demonstrated in His loving care for the poor and oppressed. Psalm 147 describes the power and authority of God’s word.
In the ultimate display of His power, God sent his son and defeated sin and death upon the cross. 1 Corinthians 15 reminds us that the resurrected Christ will come again to defeat all evil; ‘for he must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet’ (v25).
The amount of uncertainty in the current world can lead us to be easily swept up in fear and anxiety, but we must remember this almighty authority of God and His control over the earth. Jesus will come again and present to God a perfect world.
In Exodus 12:37-50, we see a move of God’s power as He sets His people free from slavery in Egypt. The Passover meal was designed to help them remember this, yet they still forgot. As Christians, with fewer feasts and festivals marked on our calendar, it is so important for us to remember what God has done for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even in a time full of fear, we get to rejoice in knowing Jesus has the victory over death.
As the celebrations of Easter draw to a close, how do we as God’s new nation remember His goodness, His authority and His power over sin and death throughout the rest of the year?
In the slowness of this season, we can build spiritual disciplines into our days that point us towards what God has done for us and what is to come. Then, when the hurry of normal life begins to creep back in, we can continue to hold these promises close.
Prayers
Father God,
We thank you for your kindness, love and care for us. We pray for those in need, as well as for ourselves, that your love would fill our lives today more than ever.
God of power and authority, we thank you that you defeated death through your son Jesus, who died and rose again in perfect glory. Would we remember your great power and be unshaken in this time, knowing that you will put all enemies under your feet.
Spirit of God, may you help us to remember who you are at all times, today, in the weeks to come and through whatever season we may find ourselves in.
Amen.
Collect
Lord of all life and power,
Who through the mighty resurrection of your Son
Overcame the old order of sin and death
To make all things new in him:
Grant that we, being dead to sin
And alive to you in Jesus Christ,
May reign with him in glory;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
Be praise and honour, glory and might,
Now and in all eternity.
Amen.
