FOR THE FIRST AND THE LAST TIME.

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*FOR THE FIRST AND THE LAST TIME.*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Rev 22:13

*I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Jesus is the only One to be the first and the last to do what many did but could not finish.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Today is resurrection/Easter Sunday marked all over the world, though may not be celebrated by all.

Today, Jesus is celebrated for being not only our Supreme God but also the only One who did what many did ( in other words, died) but none of those who died finished well by rising from the dead.

While followers of other religions remember their founders and/or hoped or are thinking they are still living to hear them or the reverential fear and salutations made to them, none of them is still living. They are dead and gone for ever!

None of them could conquer death. Only Jesus did.

Paul said the last enemy Jesus conquered was death, 1 Cor 15:26.

Paul writes in 1 Cor 15:3-4 says *For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;*

*And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:*

For the first and the last time, Christ's resurrection made Sunday, the first day of the week, our day of worship. It remains unchangeable and will never will. It will ever remain a solemn day that will widely be honored and respected for its restful nature and serenity.

Today highlight the shift in the New Testament from the Sabbath (seventh day, Exd 20: 8-11) to the first day of the week.

Matt 28:1 says *In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.*

The early Christian broke bread and collected offerings, Mark 16:2,9, Luke 24:1, John 20:1,19, Acts 20:7.

1 Cor 16:1-2 says

v1 *Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.*

v2 *Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,......."*

By His resurrection, today signifies the day:

of our spiritual rest (we come to Jesus in weariness of sin and heavy burdens), a solemn congregational reconnection in the spirit of forgiveness, a day to free from the week's day-to-day hassles, a day to celebrate our liberation and open declaration for God etc.

Today was preceded by yesterday, Saturday, which marked the first and the last time, Jesus rested.

Jesus rested in three and a half years of earthly ministry (a Sabbath Rest in the Tomb)

Death is signified as 'rest' or 'sleep' because there is still a 'raising of the dead', 'a raising from death', the resurrection of the dead', 1 Thess 4:13-14.

Paul said about His death as *" the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,"* 1 Cor 15:20.

His rest is related to God's rest in

Genesis 2:2-3: God rested on the seventh day after finishing all His work of creation.

A parallel to Hebrews 4:10:  which states that anyone who enters God’s rest also ceases from their own labor, just as God did from His. 

For the first and last time, Jesus became the only One who is not in the grave.

The Buddhist and other originators or founders of all other religions are in their graves.

Where Jesus was buried remains a tomb but not a grave.

Even in the tomb, the rolled away stone empty tomb were all proofs that Jesus was not there but had risen, Lk 24:2-3

Matt 28:5-6

*And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.*

*He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.*

Today marks the first and the last time anyone would die "once for all, to never die again but live forever, Rom 6:9-10.

Today validates our belief.

We will not only die once (Heb 9:27) never to die again, 1 Cor 15:51-57, but we shall have more than we had when we were alive.

It highlights that the life of Jesus is validated in our lives and by His death our labour is not in vain.

Though we have brought nothing into this world and shall take nothing(1 Tim 6:7) with us, we shall have mansions in heaven( John 14:2).

John mentions the New Jerusalem. According to Revelation 21:18, the city itself is made of "pure gold, like clear glass," and Revelation 21:21 specifically mentions that the street of the city is also made of "pure gold, like transparent glass".

Remember today as a day Jesus gave you life and future eternal life.

Jesus is the only One who could do this. He is the first to do it and the last that could do it.

Trust in no other, than Jesus!

*Remorse corner.*

He is risen!

*Call to Word.*

When you accept Him the hope you have in Him is beyond the hope you have now. It is hope that goes and follows you into eternity.

1 Cor 15:19:

*If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

We can not have a better Leader and Saviour than Jesus: a true Friend.

John 15:13 *Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.*

*Prayer*

Lord, turn people's hearts to Yourself today (John 14:6). Let me never turn back from releasing my life to You in Jesus name.

Good morning and Happy Resurrection and Easter Sunday in Jesus name.

Be blessed as you come into His presence today.

God bless you.

Shalom.