By Don Zoller
We can better understand that there is no Easter without a Passover and all that it symbolizes. Like the women at the empty tomb, today, God’s people go quickly with great joy, and run throughout the highways and byways to declare, yes, to shout, “Christ is Risen!” while hearing the expected echoing response, “He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!”
By Don Zoller
For two thousand years, the annual celebration of Easter has been the highpoint of the Church calendar. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so important that it is celebrated for seven consecutive Sundays beginning with Easter Sunday.
Trinity’s senior ministry was able to purchase fifteen copies of the daily devotion book from Hope-Full Living. The book is a collection of 365 short devotions to be used every day of the week. These books are yours free of charge, but we only have fifteen, so they are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in having one, let Tom know at Tom@tlcms.org or call 913-787-6077.
God’s hand has a grip on us, and on our lives. We are His children, His creation, and nothing in all creation can cause Him to let go of us because of His love for us that is in Christ Jesus.
The evening was cool and winds gentle. It seemed to us that this overnight trip to the other side was going to be our “rest-a-while” time that we were all beyond needing. It didn’t stay that way. As is common on the Sea of Galilee, there are times when the wind surprises even the best of fishermen. When we got out into deeper waters the wind began to pick up. Quickly, the gentle breeze became a roaring gale with winds pouring down on us from the distant mountain canyons to our west.
We were tired—exhausted really! We just finished a whirlwind preaching and healing trip that Jesus sent us on—two by two. Added to that, Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, had just been executed by King Herod a few day ago. We were all pretty stressed by that event. Frankly, we barely had time to eat.
It was quite obvious to Jesus that we needed a rest. His words inviting us to rest-up a while was like a refreshing shower on a very hot day. It was just what we all needed. We all climbed into the boat and headed for a desolate place . . . or so we thought.