Theme of the Day: He Lives to Restore My Hope
This is how Jesus’ disciples felt after his death: “We hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel,” they said (Luke 24:19). Their hope for a better life died along with Jesus. They had let their personal wants and expectations cloud their view of Scripture which said that the Messiah’s death and resurrection were actually the source of all hope! So, the living Lord appeared to his disciples. He explained. He opened their minds to the truth of God’s Word. And in doing so, he restored their hope.
There is little worse than a feeling of hopelessness. Christ’s disciples have victory over that feeling. He died, but he is dead no longer. The one who can heal us and give us life to the full lives! He lives to restore our hope.
Luke 24:13-35
Acts 2:14a,32-41
1 Peter 1:17-21
Psalm 116
980 – Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow
459 – Christ the Lord Is Risen Again
445 – He’s Risen, He’s Risen
534 – Hail, O Once-Despised Jesus
801 – Dear Jesus, on Your Pilgrim Way
Prayer of the Day: O God, by the humiliation of your Son, you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? Alleluia.