Daily Devotion for April 23 - Luke 24:39

Verse
Luke 24:39 (ESV)
“See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”

Meditation
In this moment, Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples after His resurrection. He graciously offers His hands and feet, inviting them to touch Him, proving He is not a ghost or mere spirit. This is not the first time He showed His wounds to His followers, for His resurrected body still bears the marks of His suffering. The resurrection is not merely a triumph over death but the victory of life over the brokenness that sin causes in this world. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith, for it assures us that death is not the end. His victory is ours. He invites us to touch and to see, that our hearts may believe, and that we may have peace in the midst of fear and uncertainty. The same hands that were pierced for our transgressions are now raised to bless us. We are reminded that our hope is not abstract but is rooted in the living Christ, who overcame death on our behalf and now walks with us in His risen life.

Similarly, the Psalmist in Psalm 77:12-14 emphasizes God's powerful works, inviting us to remember the mighty deeds of the Lord. Just as Jesus' resurrection serves as an anchor for our faith, the psalmist calls us to reflect on God's historical acts of salvation. We are not left in despair but are called to trust in His continual work on our behalf.

Old Testament
Psalm 77:12-14 (ESV)
“I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.”

Collect
O Lord, who by Your great mercy raised Your Son from the dead, assure us that we, too, shall rise to new life. Strengthen our faith in Your resurrection, that we may live in the joy and hope of Your victory over death. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse
Jesus lives! The vict'ry's won!
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death's reign is done!
From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.
— Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won – LSB 490:1