Day 11

He is risen! These extraordinary words were spoken to the women who had come to Jesus’ empty tomb after His death and resurrection. The angels who greeted them reminded the women of the words Christ had spoken. He would be given into the hands of sinful men, be crucified for the sins of all mankind and rise again on the third day. Humility and suffering were the means through which Christ’s reconciling work would be accomplished.

Just as Jesus died to sin and rose again in newness of life, so too have all those who trust in His name. Your life is so valued and precious to our Maker that He sent His perfect Son to bring you back to Himself. You are His beloved child and your life carries great eternal significance. You have been chosen to live in the power and beauty of His life, making His name known among men. 

Ephesians 2:10 states that you are God’s workmanship. At the moment of your salvation God exerted divine creative powers to marvelously fashion and create you anew in Christ Jesus. You are no longer your own. You have been bought with the precious blood of Christ.

Christ’s humility is your example in all manner of living. As you lay down your small dreams of self-glorification, He will reveal His God-exalting plans. The Holy Spirit will work mightily in and through you as you yield in complete dependence upon His love and power. That love is your constant companion in the war against your pride.

Will you daily choose to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, displaying instead the pure life of Christ? Lay down your life afresh this day, and rise up into the new life that is yours in Christ. 

       “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Titus 2:11-14