Produced by Lutherans for Life, Life Thoughts in the Church Year are designed to help pastors and congregations see the church year through the lens of the sanctity of human life. Life Thoughts are based on the appointed readings from Lutheran Service Book using the Three-Year Lectionary.
April 4 – Easter Sunday – The resurrected Jesus first appeared to a very sinful, formerly demon possessed woman, Mary Magdalene. The hope of the resurrection is for those hopelessly lost in
their sins. In one sense, we could say that this hope is especially for those who are—like the rest of us—hopelessly lost! Thanks be to God! Heavenly Father, draw me into rejoicing in Jesus’ resurrection and the value it gives to all humankind. Amen.
April 11 – Easter II – Our bodily life matters so much to God that He incarnated human flesh Himself. Even after accomplishing atonement by His body’s brokenness, He did not discard it but inhabits it by resurrection as His eternal instrument (John 20:27). When we are physically suffering sin’s consequences, our Savior’s words of forgiveness breathe healing (John 20:21-23), and His ways of faith bring peace into our very bodies. Lord Jesus, let me take hold of You by faith until Your wounded and resurrected body redeems my own. Amen.
April 28 – Easter III – The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11-16). Herein lies our assurance that our Shepherd does not abandon His sheep. He loves them too much. He paid too much for them to forsake them. We live our lives, not in the absence of suffering, but in the presence of the Good Shepherd. Good Shepherd, thank You for laying down Your life for me. Amen.
April 25 – Easter IV – The joy that comes from the risen Christ cannot be taken away (John 16:22). This is not a feel-good happiness dependent upon circumstances. It is a fruit of Christ’s Spirit, the joy of our salvation in Christ that circumstances cannot change or diminish. Many of the life issues we deal with today are “joy robbers” and present opportunities to share the joy of the resurrection. Gracious Savior, fill my words with the comfort and hope of resurrection to everlasting life with You. Amen.
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