Easter, filled with hope!

Matthew 28:5-6
April 9th 2023, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

After the Lord died on the cross, the disciples lost hope and hid in fear. Let us learn what is necessary for us to walk with the certain hope.

The first is to believe that the Lord's promises are sure to be fulfilled, and to walk with this in mind. Although the disciples had heard from the Lord about his death on the cross and his resurrection, they did not believe it and did not keep it in their hearts, so they lost hope. The Lord's promises are not enough if we just hear them.

The second is to walk, remembering that the Lord is walking with us. They lost hope and were afraid when the Lord died and stopped walking with them, but they were filled with hope when the risen Lord walked with them. The Lord promises that He is with us always.

The third is to walk, remembering that the Lord will make us victorious over death. He died, but rose again and appeared to His disciples in the flesh. The Book of Corinthians tells that he has become the firstfruits. We shall be victorious over death and eventually be given imperishable perfect bodies.

Let us always have in mind that the Lord is the one who gives us the sure hope!

<The Verse of the Bible>

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

To remember the Lord who suffered and died on the cross

Matthew 27:24-50
April 2nd 2023, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Continuing from last week, we will learn about the Passion of Jesus.

Firstly, we must not forget that the Lord was mocked and tormented more than anyone else. He must have been flogged with the Roman scourge and his body must have been severely wounded. He was also mocked by the Roman soldiers. We must not forget that the Lord of glory suffered and was mocked more than anyone else for our sake.

Secondly, we must not forget that the Lord went through the way of suffering. The Lord walked through the path of suffering called via dolorosa, carrying the cross on His back. He could have escaped, but He walked all the way to the hill of Calvary.

Thirdly, we must not forget that the suffering of the Lord's cross expresses love. Crucifixion was a horrible way of execution that did not cause immediate death but prolonged suffering. Jesus could have come down from the cross, but His love for us would not let Him do so.

Sometimes suffering comes into our lives. We may wonder why it happens even though we have faith. But in such times, let us remember Jesus on the cross and let us be victorious!

<The Verse of the Bible>

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").

Matthew 27:46 (NIV)