Living in the Reality of Easter
Wednesday’s Verse:
From 1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
This verse is meant to cut through fear and blurry thinking. Its message isn’t complicated by maybes and what ifs. Christ is risen. Period.
Paul simply states it. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not “up for debate” in the life of a Christian. Everything hinges on Christ having been raised from the dead. If He has been raised, then death is defeated. If He has been raised, then sin has lost its grip. If He has been raised, then we can trust in our future.
Paul refers to Jesus as “the firstfruits.” That’s an agricultural term. The early crop is a promise of a later harvest. By definition, it’s connected to the bigger bunch that will come. That’s the point: Jesus’ resurrection guarantees God will do the same for all who are His.
That includes you. The same Lord who rose from the dead won’t let you slip from His hand. Your sins are no longer counted against you because of the cross. Your future is certain because of the resurrection. Death itself has been flipped on its head—it’s just like sleeping now. Momentary. Paused. Anything but forever.
You don’t just believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead four days ago. You live in the reality of Easter every day. Everything ordinary you do this week will bow to this singular pronouncement: Christ is risen.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
My Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, risen from the dead, help me believe what You have done. When anxiety tries to whisper lies to me about my future, remind me that You have secured it forever. You have conquered sin and death, and I can trust You with what comes tomorrow. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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