May 10

Morning

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. — 1 Cor 15:20 BSB

The entire foundation of Christianity rests on the fact that "Christ is risen from the dead." Without this truth, everything crumbles. As Paul wrote, "if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is also in vain—you are still in your sins." The resurrection is the surest proof of Christ's divinity, for He was "declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Without His resurrection, there would be every reason to doubt His divinity.

Christ’s sovereignty also depends on His resurrection. "For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living."

Our justification, that precious blessing of the covenant, is tied to Christ's victory over death, for "He was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification."

Furthermore, our regeneration is also bound to His resurrection, for we are "begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Most certainly, our own resurrection depends on this fact, for "if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you." If Christ is not risen, we will not rise either, but if He has risen, those who have died in Christ have not perished, and they will see God in their resurrected bodies.

Thus, the golden thread of resurrection runs through all the blessings of the believer—from regeneration to eternal glory—binding them together. How crucial this glorious truth is in the Christian faith! Let us rejoice that, beyond all doubt, "Christ is risen from the dead!"

"The promise is fulfilled,
Redemption's work is done,
Justice with mercy's reconciled,
For God has raised His Son!"

Evening

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14 BSB

Believer, you are a witness that Christ is both the only begotten of the Father and the firstborn from the dead. You can declare, "He is divine to me, even if He is only human to the rest of the world. He has done what only God could do for me! He has subdued my stubborn will, softened my hardened heart, opened gates of brass, and shattered iron bars! He has turned my mourning into laughter, my desolation into joy. He has led my captivity captive, and filled my heart with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Let others think of Him as they may, but to me, He is the only begotten of the Father—blessed be His name!"

And He is full of grace. Ah! Without His grace, I would never have been saved. He drew me when I tried to run from His grace, and when I came to Him, trembling like a condemned soul before His throne of mercy, He said, "Your sins, which are many, are forgiven—be of good cheer."

And He is full of truth. His promises have never failed me, not one. I bear witness that no servant has ever had a master like mine, no brother has ever had such a kinsman, no spouse has ever had such a husband, no sinner has ever had such a Savior, and no mourner has ever had such a comforter as Christ has been to me. I desire no one but Him. In life—He is my life; and in death—He shall be the death of death. In poverty—Christ is my wealth. In sickness—He comforts me. In darkness—He is my star. In brightness—He is my sun. He is my manna in this wilderness, and He will be my heavenly manna when I enter the promised land. Jesus is to me—all grace, no wrath; all truth, no deceit. And He is infinitely full of both grace and truth. My soul, this night, bless with all your might "the only Begotten."