Devotions From Steadfast Lutherans

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. – Romans 6:9

Lord Jesus Christ, graciously our faith renew; help us bear our crosses, learning humbleness from You, peace mid pain and losses, may we give You love for love, hear us O our Savior, that we may in heaven above, sing your praise forever.  Amen  (adapted from the last stanza of “Jesus I will Ponder Now”)

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:19–25, ESV)

5 The world against me rages, Its fury I disdain; Though bitter war it wages, Its work is all in vain. My heart from care is free, No trouble troubles me. Misfortune now is play, And night is bright as day. LSB 467:5

Dear Jesus, help us to always trust in You and Your work of atonement for our victory over sin, death, and the devil.  Help us look to you when tempted to be fearful like the unbelievers are, and to know that we are as secure and safe as we ever shall be because of Your finished work at Calvary.  Amen.

St. Paul rightly says since we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we saved by him from the wrath of God.   The atonement of Christ establishes our salvation from each and everything.

Easter Sunday is the public spectacle of Christ’s victory.  It is a testimony of His power to save – that in fact Christ has done everything needed to accomplish salvation.  The grave, that final opponent is defeated and cannot stand against Christ, and by implication the grave cannot stand against those who belong to Christ.  You have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, you have new life by the forgiveness of sins.  Christ shares His victory with you – not only at the Last Day, but even now each day in your baptized life – daily dying to sin and rising again to newness of life.

Dear Jesus, thank You for earning our salvation and rising from the grave.  Help us to look to you for our eternal joy no matter our earthly situation.  Help us to fear the grave as little as our beds.  Amen.

Dear Lord, Thine were the works, Thine was the love, Thine the sacrifice, the blood, that saved me and brought me into communion with Thee. Grant me to always thank Thee and to behold Thee in heaven with eyes unclouded. Amen

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

Unto life Thou shalt arouse me By Thy resurrection's pow'r; Though the hideous grave shall house me, And my flesh the worms devour; Fire and water may destroy My frail body, yet with joy I shall rise as Thou hast risen From the deep sepulchral prison.

Thou hast died for my transgression, All my sins on Thee were laid; Thou hast won for me salvation, On the cross my debt was paid. From the grave I shall arise And shall meet Thee in the skies. Death itself is transitory; I shall lift my head in glory.

Though I be by sin o'ertaken, Though I lie in helplessness, Though I be by friends forsaken And must suffer sore distress, Though I be despised, contemned, And by all the world condemned, Though the dark grave yawn before me, Yet the light of hope shines o'er me.

Thanks to Thee, O Christ victorious! Thanks to Thee, O Lord of life! Death hath now no power o'er us, Thou hast conquered in the strife. Thanks because Thou didst arise And hast opened Paradise! None can fully sing the glory Of the resurrection story.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

Christ alone our souls will feed

Now His grace to us imparts Eternal sunshine to our hearts; The night of sin is ended. / Alleluia!

See, His blood now marks our door; Faith points to it; death passes o’er, And Satan cannot harm us. Alleluia!

Dear Jesus, put laughter in our mouths when we think of death. Grant us to mock and scorn it properly, both now and when our last hour comes. Amen.

Text by Martin Luther. Tune by Johan Walter. 1524!