Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – March 30, 2016

matthew28-6

Exodus 12:40-51; 1 Corinthians 15:29-41; Matthew 28:1-16

The Hebrews had been in bondage in the land of Egypt more than four centuries when God demanded liberty for his people. On that evening before he brought them out of captivity, the people must have been jubilant and fearful at the same time. They had always known slavery; how could they now walk in freedom? A part of themselves they had come to know, was about to die.

Bondage to our old ways must also perish. This is the resurrection life. Something has to die before it can come to life. A seed is sown, then sprouts with new life. Our natural selves die in baptism so that we may walk in newness of life. This is not how we expected things would play out. We go to the tomb, anticipating death, but discover life instead. “He is not here, for he has risen.”

Even so, Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid.” And there, in the midst of our fears, great joy begins to rise. The bondage is broken. We are liberated from the law of sin and death. A new life awaits us—life in the Son who has freed us from our sins by his blood.

Prayer: By the power of your Spirit, Lord, make me new. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Communications Coordinator for the NALC.