Daily Devotions
Isaiah 66:10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.”
For centuries, this Sunday has been known as Laetare, the Latin word for “rejoice.” And what a great word is “rejoice!” It adds emphasis to the simple word “joy.”
As we travel through the sometimes-somber season of Lent, there may be little “joy” to be found, much less reasons to “rejoice.” Yet, it is on Sundays we remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Nothing else offers more reason to rejoice than Christ’s resurrection and the assurance that we will live forever because of His sacrifice.
This is the message of the Church. Though sometimes “the Church” causes us pain through scandal or controversy, Jesus is the Lord of the Church. He died for her-that is, for us-and rose again to give us the message of joy and hope. The Church has been given the powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in spite of the failings of people, the Good News of Jesus is still powerful and brings joy.
Application: Remember your church in your prayers this day. Even if your church has disappointed you or caused you pain, pray that the Church never loses the joy of telling the Good News about Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless me as a member of Your Church, that I may always tell the Good News of Your Son Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.