Today's Focus: He Lives to Give Me Proof and Peace     Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to wonder whether anything he said was true. Thomas had been taught and trained by Christ himself. He heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. Even after hearing the eyewitness testimony of friends, Thomas still had doubts about the resurrction of Jesus. But Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. Today I have great comfort as someone with coubts about Christ's promises in my life. Jesus engages me with continuing assurances in Word and sacrament. I have proof. I have peace.

Today's Focus: The Source of Salvation    On Good Friday we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord. The Son of Man was lifted up on the cross to the glory of God and for our salvation. While others see a wounded man, we see the source of eternal salvation. We pray to him with confidence, remembering what he has done for us.

Today's Focus: Jesus Dries My Tears and Takes Away My Fears   I can walk through a cemetery where loved ones are buried. What do I feel? Sadness as I think of their departure? Fear that I will soon join them? Without the resurrection of Jesus, I fear death and I continue to cry. But he lives, and it makes a difference. Jesus is the resurrection first fruits for the harvest of humanity. Dead is not dead forever. death is not final at all! My deceased Christian loved ones are not gone forever. I will see them again. Jesus will do what he promised. He dries my tears. He takes away my fears. 

Today's Focus: Easter Makes All the Difference   Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. "The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again" (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin. But Jesus is alive! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Jesus' resurrection makes all the difference! Easter is a celebration of that fact.