Open Heavens Daily Devotionl by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY 10TH APRIL 2023

TOPIC: THE SEASONS OF CHRIST

MEMORISE:

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:6

READ: Matthew 28:1-7

28:1: In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

28:2: And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

28:3: His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

28:4: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

28:5: And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

28:6: He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

28:7: And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

MESSAGE

Between every two days in a man's life, there is always a night. Even Jesus Christ experienced His own share of days and nights. Jesus' first day came when He was born. Luke 2:8-14 says even the heavenly mass choir paid a visit to the world to sing at His birth. Everyone, including the king knew that a special child had been born. As Jesus grew up, He enjoyed tremendous support from God and performed several great miracles. His first day lasted for thirty three and a half years.

After Jesus' first day came the night when He was crucified (Matthew 27). There was darkness at noon as the sun refused to shine that day (Mark 15:33). He was lonely as all his friends had forsaken him. His very close friend even denied Him (Matthew 26:69-74).There was also sorrow and fear amongst His disciples (John 20:19). Thank God the night lasted for just three days. If you are in a period of night now, that night will end today in Jesus' name.

Matthew 28:1-7 marked the beginning of Jesus' second day. Several things happened to herald the new day. First was a great earthquake to signify to the whole world that a new day had come. Then an angel came down, rolled away the stone to His tomb and sat on it. He sat on it to say, this time around, we have permanent victory. From today onward, every door that God opens to you will never be shut again in Jesus' name.

Matthew 28:4 says the keepers became paralysed by fear, they were so frightened, they fell down as dead. That is good news for you because now that you are in the season of your Saviour's day, when your enemies see you coming, it's either they run or they faint. Jesus' day is one that will last forever. Soon, He will come to take His children so we can reign with Him in glory. If you are amongst His children, congratulations, but if you are still committing sin, then you are crucifying Jesus Christ afresh (Hebrews 6:6) so you will be treated like one of those who crucified Him. If you are wise, you will give your life to Him now and stay away from sin forever.

KEY POINT:

Jesus’ resurrection means good news to His friends and bad news to sinners. Which category are you?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

1 Kings 3-5

AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE

1. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice

And ye that are upright in heart

And ye that have made Him your choice

Bid sadness and sorrow depart.

Chorus

Rejoice!...rejoice!...

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!

Rejoice!... rejoice!...

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!

2. Be joyful for He is the Lord

On earth and in heaven supreme

He fashions and rules by His words

The mighty and strong to redeem.

3. What tho' in the conflict for right

Your enemies almost prevail!

God's armies, just hid from your sight

Are more than the foes which assail.

4. Tho' darkness surround you by day,

Your sky by the night be o'ercast,

Let nothing your spirit dismay

But trust till the danger is past.

5. Be glad in the lord and rejoice,

His praises proclaiming in song.

With harp, and with organ, and voice,

The loud Hallelujahs prolong!