Remember Easter?

Of course you do. It was only a few days ago.

But Monday came, and then Tuesday. Now you’re chugging through your routines like any other week.

You remember that Easter happened. But you forget what happened at Easter.

Viktor Frankl was a holocaust survivor. Here’s how he described learning about the end of the war:

“…the camp gate was thrown open. A splendid, aluminum-colored car, on which were painted large red crosses, slowly rolled on to the parade ground… Who worried about [the need to] escape now? Boxes with medicines were unloaded from the car, cigarettes were distributed, we were photographed and joy reigned supreme.”

“Joy reigned supreme.”

I love that. Joy is bigger than happiness. It doesn’t always have a smile; but it has victory and hope carved on the heart.

Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Paul talks about the resurrection like this: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). In Jesus, we have something that cannot be intimidated—not even by death.

You don’t always feel like smiling. I get that. But joy is bigger than happiness. It has victory and hope carved on the heart.

You remember that Easter happened. But don’t forget what happened at Easter.

Joy reigned supreme. And it still can.

By Matthew Ruttan

—“Why trust the Bible?” Great question! In short, because Jesus did. Read my latest blog to find out how and why.

—Bible quotes are from the New International Version.

—Please note that, unfortunately, I can no longer read or reply to any email responses to this devotional. Sorry! With the growing readership I just can’t sift through all the replies and questions. But I hope the devotional continues to be a blessing to you. Enjoy!