Devotional Guide — April 16

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Praise:  Our Response to
God’s Generosity and Grace

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his might firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his exceeding greatness…! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:1-2, 6

Years ago, I went to an alternative school for students who could not function in an ordinary school setting. Their disruptive behavior prevented serious students from learning, so they had to be removed. The school, designed just for them, had high concrete walls all around so the students could not see out. The main door – a big steel plate – slammed behind us as we entered, and I felt very threatened by the whole atmosphere. The students’ behaviors had cut them off from all that we would call a normal learning environment. It wasn’t pretty!

I wonder if that is not somewhat like it was for us before we came to know of Christ’s atonement for our behavior. Were we not shut away from all that could bring pleasure in a relationship with God, separated by our sin from God and often from each other?

Well, not anymore! Like the Psalmist, we can praise God that we are no longer trapped. God himself has set us free. Easter is a wonderful reminder of what Jesus did for us. Christ lives. And because he lives, we too can live.

Prayer: Holy, holy God, how we praise you! How we thank you for our freedom bought by your son! We long to run through the fields to shout and sing, to laugh and cry in our joy at being free! Thank you, Father. Thank you for Good Friday and Easter. Amen

“I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25
Lenten Devotional Guide
prepared for Homosassa United Methodist Church, Spring 2009
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Director