March 29 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

In March we read the gospel of John. John wrote his gospel so that his readers would know and believe the claims of Jesus. Those who do have everlasting life here and now.

Bible Reading:

John 20:1–9

Bible Text:

Early on the first day of the week ... the stone had been removed from the entrance (John 20:1).

Devotional:

Christ's resurrection from the dead is the great turning point. Now the mystery of his person is revealed. Since he died, he is human. But since he came back from the place of no return, he is more than human. He is God.

Jesus' resurrection also reveals the purpose of his mission. If he had not risen, we would say his life and death were an inspiring example and a great tragedy. But because he rose, we know his death had purpose and his sacrifice was approved. He fulfilled a plan of God.

Three facts can help us convince people that Jesus rose and lives. First, the tomb was empty; that fact has never been refuted. Second, many reliable witnesses claim that they saw him, heard him, touched him. Third, the dejected disciples suddenly showed tremendous energy, hope, and optimism. Their message of good news covered the then-known world within a generation. The resurrection of their Master would seem the only adequate explanation for these facts.

Yet good arguments seldom convert sinners to Christ. Conversions occur precisely because Jesus lives. We remember the dead, but we meet the living. On that first Sunday morning, Jesus called Mary by name and removed her blindness. When Christ himself meets with us by his Word and Spirit, we know—beyond the shadow of a doubt—that he lives.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.