Read Psalm 87
Read Numbers 10
In Numbers 10 we read that the ark of the covenant sets forth in front of the people to lead them in their journey. And Moses prays, "Arise, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you" (v. 35). The ark, where God Himself was pleased to make his dwelling and be present with his grace and protection, goes before the people to scatter the enemies and lead them to the Promised Land.
How appropriate for today! On this day before Easter, the Christian Church holds the Easter Vigil and prays for the Light of Christ to "scatter the darkness." We know that though His light is hidden from the disciples' eyes temporarily as His body lay in the tomb, His light has not gone out. He is passing through death, to scatter the darkness of the grave, and bring eternal light even there.
As we follow our Lord Jesus (as the Israelites followed the ark) we are led through death into eternal life. Jesus' rest in the grave sanctifies our graves as well. His rising to new life promises us who follow Him by faith that we too will rise from our graves. Jesus is the firstfruits, we are the rest of the harvest to eternal life. Christ Triumphant goes before us. He razes hell. He rends Death's iron chains. He breaks through sin and pain. He scatters the enemy!
To conclude our meditation today, some words from Paul Gerhardt's wonderful Easter hymn, "Awake, My Heart, with Gladness":
Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate'er He passes through.
He rends death's iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell's grim thrall;
I follow Him through all.
He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
"Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified."
(LSB 467:6-7)
Monday we continue with Numbers and begin the book of Acts.
A blessed Easter celebration to you all,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
No comments:
Post a Comment