Weighting - Isaiah 40:31

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength – Isaiah 40:31

Easter was different yesterday. Usually, it’s the busiest Sunday in local churches. Fanfares and feasts, handbells and hymns, crowded sanctuaries and Christ-centered services are all part of the worship at many congregations. So, yesterday was different – most of us stayed at home and watched online services, produced by church members and pastors to help all of the people have a holy day.

And it worked. We were more focused on what happened on the First Easter instead of worrying about what’s going on now. We heard the Resurrection narrative and met Christ in a way that some of us have never contemplated before. Christ came across the bandwidth of our phones, laptops, PCs, and TVs in ways that months ago we never dreamed of happening. Jesus joined us in our homes and quietly quarantined Himself in our hearts.

I think that when we look back to this time, we may see something sacred happening to the Church. Instead of harassing ourselves with holy busy-ness, we will have rediscovered the forgotten path of spiritual awareness. I don’t know about you, but I feel more connected to God this morning than I have in the past – usually, on the Monday after Easter I’m totally exhausted and need to rest. This year, I feel recharged and I’m eager to begin a new journey of faith. This mandatory waiting time has become a meaningful ‘weighting’ time where God has added depth to my spirit and purpose for what remains of life.

I guess that today’s verse from Isaiah perfectly describes what I hope many among us are feeling: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

Q: How did Easter affect me spiritually yesterday?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, yesterday we met You risen from the dead; today, we greet You among us as we wait now; and tomorrow, we’ll still be following the path that You have newly created within and around us. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

After Easter - Mark 11:8-9

Mark 11:8-9 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

            Just like the joyful crowd on the first Palm Sunday, we had an amazing Easter worship service at church yesterday. Over 200 people attended which was one of the biggest Easter congregations that we’ve had in years. The atmosphere was wonderful, the music was beautiful, and the message was meaningful. It was a great occasion and a great blessing to our wee church. To see so many families from in and out of town, joining together in worship is something that always touches me; to have them do it at Easter makes the whole celebration so sacred and inspiring.

            The same thing was happening all over the world. People gathered together to worship and praise Jesus as their Savior and Lord. To realize that almost 2 billion people across the planet were celebrating Christ’s glorious resurrection is staggering when you think about it. If only we could fulfill that potential every week in church and every day in the world! The Earth could be healed of its brokenness and perhaps we could all live in peace. After all, Easter is a celebration of God healing sin and death with the actual resurrection of His Only Son. If we could only apply that in our relationships with other people, as well as our relations with other nations, what a dear and blessed planet this would be.

            Let’s try to apply Christ’s message by becoming Easter people to a Good Friday world. Let’s continue this blessing He has given us yesterday and take it to the people we encounter, the situations we experience, and the challenges we face this week. If we do this, then I believe we will begin to see the world around us change for the better with the goodness of God.

Point to ponder

How did Easter affect me yesterday? How can I extend its blessings this week?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise You for being our Savior and Lord. Just like the crowd of the first Palm Sunday, we are joyful for Your presence among us and for the hope which Easter brings. Help us to positively share these blessings with all whom we encounter this week. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s Easter drawings called Sacred Son Rise. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Son Rise.

Daily Devotion: After Easter - Exodus 33:13

Exodus 33:13 “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

We had a beautiful Easter service yesterday at church. It always good to see many people with their families worshipping God. Because I’m an ‘Easter person,’ I get energized by the whole day.

The day after Easter is quietly different. The celebrations are over and life continues with its own routines. It’s not an anti-climax or depressing; it’s just different.

This is a good time to renew our connection to God. Hopefully, the energy and enthusiasm of the Easter worship experience have given many people a new start to their lives. Spring is bursting with life all around us, so why not make this delightful time a precious moment of spiritual growth when we reconnect to God?

Today’s passage from Exodus 33:7-14 reveals to us Moses’ need of being reconnected to God in the midst of the Wilderness Wanderings. He felt the burden of leadership upon his shoulders and even although he had a special prominence among the people of God, he still needed to know that God would be constantly with him, guiding his decisions, and supporting his choices. The great thing about Moses’ prayer is that God answered it perfectly: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Whatever your plans for the rest of this week, or indeed for the rest of the year, may you know the blessing of God’s Presence and the joy of His rest.

 Questions for personal reflection

Is there something really important currently happening in my life? Have I asked God to be beside me throughout it?

Prayer:            Lord God, thank You for the wonder of Easter and the spiritually refreshing blessings that we have experienced. Be with us now and guide us; carry us through our present circumstances and help us to make good choices that benefit us, as well as glorifying You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please feel free to send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Easter drawings. It’s called “Rising Star” and depicts the wonderful moment of Christ’s Resurrection. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8605348590_5eb2124c1e_h.jpg