- Celebrate the Resurrection
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13
Easter is generally a celebration with special worship services, family gatherings, and children digging into baskets full of goodies. The first part of today’s verse says, “Be watchful!” is a reminder of what this holiday is all about. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, you have the hope of eternal life. Rejoice! “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
Today’s verse continues, “Stand firm in the faith.” In these days, as you are pressured to accept every religion as valid, adhere to the words of Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Luke records Peter’s succinct reinforcement of this, “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only one in any religion who died and returned to life. Stand firm and keep your trust in Him.
The third part of today’s verse, ”act like men,” means to be brave, strong, and mature. The Christians of the Early Church prayed for boldness, and the Lord answered by filling them with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 4:29-31). While persecution against Christians increases, pray for courage for believers to serve the Lord and spread the gospel to everyone.
Paul closes today’s verse with “be strong.“ Maintain integrity when you experience intense pressure to do wrong. Pray for the United States, that Christians will be a bright shining light in the darkness. You reflect Christ’s victory over death when you “let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 5:9-16
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
