Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017   Psalm118:1     
       

Psalm 118:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

His Steadfast Love Endures For Ever

118 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures for ever!

Luther once wrote, “This is my own beloved psalm. Although the entire Psalter and all of Holy Scripture are dear to me as my only comfort and source of life. I fell in love with this psalm especially. Therefore I call it my own.” (AE 14:45) 1

What does God require of us in the Second Commandment? We should call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. 2

Who is God? He is good, kind, desiring our welfare. 3 

What do we owe our heavenly Father for all His goodness? It is our duty to “thank and praise, serve and obey Him.  4

There is now new life in Christ. Today we celebrate life. Today we celebrate victory. Today we celebrate forgiveness and freedom. Today is the day we remember all of God’s promises. They are yes and amen in Jesus. Because He lives we shall live also! 

Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrated with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen  5

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[1] Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] What does God require of us in the Second Commandment? Luther’s Small Catechism, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] Who is God? Luther’s Small Catechism, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[4] What do we owe our heavenly Father for all His goodness? Luther’s Small Catechism, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[5] Collect for Easter, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis