Pre-easter Meditation

17 Feb 2013 by Lim Poh Ann-

 

By reflecting on all that Christ has done for us, we learn to be grateful – and so live lives that are worthy of our high calling.

 

 
As we enter the period of Lent, a period of about forty days of solemn observance by Christians in the run up to Easter celebrations, let us meditate on all the benefits Christ secured for us through His death at the cross: 
 
 
 
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
 
who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
 

who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
 
Christ not only forgave our sins and healed our diseases through His death. Through His resurrection, He defeated death, sin and the devil:
 
Death, where is thy sting?
 
The resurrection of Jesus is the epitome of hope. There is life after death for believers — everlasting life in heaven. Just as Jesus’ death is not final, physical death is not final for those who believe in Him.
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25). Can we think of any other promise that offers greater hope to a man when he passes through the valley of death?
 
 
 
 
Victory over sin
 
For believers, Christ’s resurrection gives them the power to live a victorious life. Sin’s power over them has been broken.
 
How is this achieved? First, believers identify with the death of Christ by dying to sin, which is symbolised by the act of baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead, even so believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-11, Galatians 5:16). Set free from bondage to the inclinations of their sinful nature, they are able to resist Satan and no longer incur God’s wrath (Ephesians 2: 2-3).
 
 
 
 
Satan defeated
 
The resurrection of Christ also spelt the defeat of Satan. By defying death, Christ “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities” and “shamed them publicly” by His victory over them at the cross (Colossians 2:15). Believers, now seated in the heavenly places next to Christ, rest in this exalted position of victory over the principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:6). The battle has already been won. Their task is to believe and enforce the victory that Christ has achieved for them at the cross (Ephesians 6:10-11).
 
 
 
 
As we reflect on all the above during this pre-Easter season, let us learn to be grateful. May our lives be worthy in relation to what Christ has done for us through His death and resurrection.
 
 
 
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
 

Source : Porridge For The Soul By Dr Lim Poh Ann

http://limpohann.blogspot.com/

http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2013/02/pre-easter-meditation.html

 

 

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed by the columnists are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Christianity Malaysia.com

References for pictures:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/–AQ9oNA0exc/TuOHPpYmMeI/AAAAAAAABOI/RYMS3n00wZE/s1600/grateful.jpg

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/30700000/I-praise-you-oh-God-christianity-30793548-1280-960.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-xLbW6I9Qk/UMvSNsZF4HI/AAAAAAAAAfs/L2HWz64K7CQ/s1600/valley_of_the_shadow_of_death_by_reyed33-d2zdga0.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmRWD53-Avc/Tuznk-O4bGI/AAAAAAAACCY/4xIp6aIcKaY/s1600/wil.jpg

http://rationalrevolution.net/images/clouds-jesus.jpg

http://www.growingprosperity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/biblicalmeditationaffirmation.jpg

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