Are You Rejoicing in God’s Gift of Today?

April 06, 2023

Are You Rejoicing in God's Gift of Today?

Are You Rejoicing in God’s Gift of Today?

By Brooke Holt

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Some words are specific to a day while others go beyond that day and speak into eternity. God’s Word is a clear example of the latter. The psalmist knew this song as part of the Hallel psalms: a collection of psalms which called God’s people to remember their exodus from Egypt and to rejoice. God had worked on behalf of his people, setting them free from the tyranny of slavery in Egypt. Marking such a glorious day, the celebration of Passover continued then and is still celebrated today.

In Jesus’ day, these words of the psalmist took on a more profound meaning as Jesus processed into Jerusalem. The King had come! Palm branches were waving as people proclaimed: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) The hopes and prayers of God’s people found their answer in Jesus. It was the day the Lord had made, and they were rejoicing!

As the nation of Israel was called to remember and celebrate Passover, you are called to celebrate the coming of the Messiah, the true King of Israel and the world. His triumph is your triumph; his resurrected life is your resurrected life. Yet, this week, you remember what Jesus has done while also remembering what Jesus endured after his triumphal entry – rejection, condemnation, beatings, humiliation, and crucifixion. This week, you are called to remember the anguish of Jesus by joining him on the road to Calvary.

This road is one on which you die to self. It is painful to relinquish hold on the things of this world and to embrace the humiliation and pain of Jesus Christ; yet, it is the way to resurrected life. This week, you walk the road to Calvary while keeping your heart and mind set on what is to come. Resurrection! On Easter Sunday, Jesus overcame sin, death, and the forces of evil.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It may be a hard road, but resurrected life is right around the corner.

Reflection:

Do you see how dying to self leads to the resurrected life? What do you think that means for you today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Resurrected Life: Making All Things New - The Bible promises that those who are in Christ are "new creatures." But how does that transformation take place? This unique Easter-season small group Bible study provides a space in which we can discover what it truly means to live a new life. As we listen, we'll learn how the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything - for us. Begin the journey to new life today!