And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you…” – Luke 24:5-8

Scripture reading: Luke 24:1-12

Believers don’t always listen well to the Saviour and easily forget His words. Those who went to the grave on the morning of the resurrection did not go to verify His words, but in their fear and sadness, only thought of loss and death. Jesus had told them repeatedly that He would have to suffer and die for their sins; He also told them that He would rise on the third day. In the sight of a tomb and the reality of death, these words seemed unreal…! What are they to do with a dead Jesus; what would we do if our Saviour were still dead?

It is wonderful when we are reminded of His Word, just as those women were reminded. We know that we have a living Saviour! That’s hard to accept when everything on earth speaks of death and destruction, of loss and lives without loved ones. It is hard to believe that He is the living Saviour, Who comforts us and speaks to us every time we open God’s Word! Are we focused only on our grief and losses, or are we looking to Him Who died for us and rose again? Do we see Him in our life, in the church, in the gathering of believers, in His work with Spirit and Word in this world? Do we see Him as the ascended Lord in heaven from where He reigns over all things? Thankfully, there were angels to tell the women on the day of the resurrection, and thankfully, ministers tell us today!

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for a believing heart and an open mind when we read God’s Word and hear the preaching. Ask for comfort too!

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. William den Hollander (Sr.) is minister-emeritus of the Bethel Canadian Reformed Church of Toronto.