Blessed Resurrection Sunday

My Bible readings this past week were in Leviticus and Hebrews.  Perfect time to read about the sacrifices required to atone for the sins of the Israelites.  The sacrifices and priests were the only way they could come to the Holy God.   There are also instructions for daily living and responsibilities involving our daily walk with God.

But then after I have read all the detailed instructions for offering the sacrifices, I go to Hebrews where the old covenant is compared with the new.  "but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent Priesthood.  Therefore He is able to save completey those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.  Such a high priest meets our need --one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.  Unlike other high priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people.  He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.  For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever."  Hebrews 7:24-28 NIV  Thank you Jesus, for taking the punishment which should have been mine!!

So it is a joy for me today to celebrate the resurrection of my Savior and Redeemer.  "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow  Because He lives, all fear is gone.  Because I know He holds the future, my life is worth the living, just because He lives!"

Todd wrote and posted some thoughts about Easter on Friday through Sunday.  This simple description of these days really spoke to me.

Friday
           Beautiful violence
          Transcendent grace
          Humble submission
          Glory displayed
Saturday
         On Sabbath morn
         Despair looms
         Hope destroyed
         Messiah's tomb
Sunday
         Morning dawns
         Herald proclaims
         Death defeated
         Jesus reigns!

We had a glorious service at church this morning!  Many new faces and several familiar ones from the past.  Our praise band was incredible!  Mickie Roy sang one of my favorites, "I Know My Redeemer Lives" and two of our ladies signed along with it.  Pastor Kevin brought a message of redemption and at the end of the service baptized a family of 6 who all had recently surrendered their lives to the Lord!  So exciting to see God at work!

Eternally grateful to Jesus,

Donna