Morning Reading: Luke 24. 1-12 NLT – risen

Reading: Luke 24:1-12 NLT

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.

As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground.

Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.

However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – You’re alive… and your Spirit has been poured out on all of us. Give us the courage and boldness to tell everyone what we have seen and heard – whether people believe it or not. And may you receive all the glory. Amen.

Hymn: “Easter Song” – Annie Herring

Morning Reading: Luke 22:31-34 NLT –

Reading: Luke 22:31-34 NLT

The Farmer Winnowing Wheat, Wind separates the chaffs from the seeds. — The Farmer Winnowing Wheat,
Wind separates the chaff from the seed.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”

But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Sift me… my heart, my mind, my spirit. Keep what pleases you… and remove all else. And strengthen me… to keep me faithful to the end. For your name’s sake. Amen.

Hymn: “O Jesus, I have Promised” – John E. Bode (1869)

Morning Reading: Luke 9:28-36 NLT – listen to him

Reading: Luke 9:28-36 NLT

About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

Mosaic of the Transfiguration, in the apse above that altar at St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai, c. 550. Kurt Weitzman, Jan 1964 National Geographic: “…hanging like a veil.”

Peter and the others had fallen asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him.

As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them as the cloud covered them.

Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” When the voice finished, Jesus was there alone. They didn’t tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Open my eyes to see your glory… not just in the big things, but also in the little – even ordinary – things of life. Open my ears to hear you… to really listen when you speak to me. And give me the courage and will to live out your Kingdom purpose for my life… today and always. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Show Me Your Glory” – Third Day (YouTube)