April 3
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“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”  (Proverbs 31:8, NIV)

Are we channels or are we reservoirs?

Reservoirs are designed to take-in and hold.  Channels give as they receive.  God expects us to be the latter.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our responsibility to expend the “capital” we’ve received (whether it be time, talent, or treasure) for the benefit of others — particularly those who are destitute or disenfranchised.  God blesses us in order that we might bless in His name those who have not.

Jesus came to the lost, the least, and the last.  As His disciples, we can do no more; we should do no less.  – Luther

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April 2
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“Do you see someone who speaks in haste?  There is more hope for a fool than for them.”  (Proverbs 29:20, NIV)

We live in a time where we can communicate with millions of other people in seconds, which is all the more reason we ought to heed the advice of today’s proverb.

Each day brings fresh, public examples of people speaking first, and thinking second — and the harm is often as devastating as it is irreparable.

Today, remember to measure your words.  Count to ten before giving an answer.  Store that prickly e-mail in the “drafts” folder for a while, and re-read it later.  Hold that text message.  Cage the tweet.  Pressing “send” in the heat of a matter often leads to regret.

God’s wisdom is as useful in the electronic age as it was in the oral age!  – Luther

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April 1
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Resurrection Monday

“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast.”  (Luke 24:17, NIV)

The evidence of the Resurrection was not accepted by Jesus’ closest disciples. In light of the empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, the testimony of the women, the ancient prophecies come true, and even Jesus’ own words about His death and resurrection, one might think the disposition of the two disciples en route to Emmaus in today’s scripture would have been anything but “downcast,” but they were very distressed.

I am the first to admit that had I been there, I probably wouldn’t have believed,  either.  All of the disciples — except, to their eternal credit, the women — refused to accept the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.  What they were seeing was unprecedented, and denial of the evidence is always the surest way to avoid facing the hard questions that inevitably follow Revelation.

Today, we still have the empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, the testimony of the women, the ancient prophecies come true, and even Jesus’ own words about His death and resurrection and — unlike the two disciples on Resurrection Day — 2,000 additional years of testimony that all of it is still true!

Does your countenance reflect this compelling evidence?

He is risen!  The Lord is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!  – Luther

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