God Pause Devotions Day 1

HI all!  I hope you all had a great Easter.  Things are settling down here a little at church, just a little.  I was asked back in March if I would be willing to write some devotional material for Luther's Seminary God Pause the week after Easter.  It was quite the honor to be asked so I was happy to oblige.  I wanted to share each of these devotions with you over the next couple of weeks because I have had a lot of positive feedback around them and because we are in the season of Easter for the next several weeks.  Let me know what you think and have a great week!

Acts 5:27-32 (NRSV)

27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them,
28 saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us."
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority.
30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.
31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."

Yesterday was awesome, wasn't it? The soaring music, the life-giving, packed worship service, the marvelous meals, and the family gathering were all the stuff of legends. Another Easter in the books, and today we simply rest in the knowledge that all our hard work is done for this high holy holiday. However, our text reminds us today that Easter isn't just a holiday; it is a new way of living our lives. The disciples were so excited when Jesus showed up alive after the crucifixion!

Furthermore, they realized the implications of this seismic event in the history of time and space. It changed them. This story of resurrection spurred them into action like it does for us today, even in the midst of weariness. Nothing could contain their desire to let others know about Jesus and his victory. May we, too, be infused with holy energy to spread the gospel. 

Risen Savior, help us to see that Easter is not just a high holy day but a new way of living our lives. Infuse us with your holy energy to propel our tired bones into living out your Easter message. Amen.