GOOD FRIDAY - EASTER MONDAY • CALVARY & HORSES
Hebrews 1:1-14 AMP
[1] God, having spoken to the fathers long ago in [the voices and writings of] the prophets in many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the truth], and in many ways,
[2] Has in these last days spoken [with finality] to us in [the person of One who is by His character and nature] His Son [namely Jesus], whom He appointed heir and lawful owner of all things, through whom also He created the universe [that is, the universe as a space-time-matter continuum].
[3] The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority],
[4] Having become as much superior to angels, since He has inherited a more excellent and glorious name than they [that is, Son—the name above all names].
[5] For to which of the angels did the Father ever say, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten (fathered) You [established You as a Son, with kingly dignity]”? And again [did He ever say to the angels], “I shall be a Father to Him And He shall be a Son to Me”?
[6] And when He again brings the firstborn [highest-ranking Son] into the world, He says, “And all the angels of God are to worship Him.”
[7] And concerning the angels He says, “Who makes His angels winds, And His ministering servants flames of fire [to do His bidding].”
[8] But about the Son [the Father says to Him], “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, And the scepter of [absolute] righteousness is the scepter of His kingdom.
[9] “You have loved righteousness [integrity, virtue, uprightness in purpose] and have hated lawlessness [injustice, sin]. Therefore God, Your God, Has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”
[10] And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, And the heavens are the works of Your hands;
[11] They will perish, but You remain [forever and ever]; And they will all wear out like a garment,
[12] And like a robe You will roll them up; Like a garment they will be changed. But You are the same [forever], And Your years will never end.”
[13] But to which of the angels has the Father ever said, “Sit at My right hand [together with me in royal dignity], Until I make your enemies A footstool for your feet [in triumphant conquest]”?
[14] Are not all the angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve (accompany, protect) those who will inherit salvation? [Of course they are!]
Psalm 20:1-9 AMP
[1] To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. May the Lord answer you (David) in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high [and defend you in battle]!
[2] May He send you help from the sanctuary (His dwelling place) And support and strengthen you from Zion!
[3] May He remember all your meal offerings And accept your burnt offering. Selah.
[4] May He grant you your heart’s desire And fulfill all your plans.
[5] We will sing joyously over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
[6] Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
[7] Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.
[8] They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright.
[9] O Lord, save [the king]; May the King answer us in the day we call.
Matthew 28:1-10 AMP
[1] Now after the Sabbath, near dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
[2] And a great earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone [from the opening of the tomb], and sat on it.
[3] The angel’s appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow.
[4] The guards shook, paralyzed with fear [at the sight] of him and became like dead men [pale and immobile].
[5] But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
[6] He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said [He would]. Come! See the place where He was lying.
[7] Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee [as He promised]. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
[8] So the women left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell [the good news to] the disciples.
[9] And as they went, suddenly, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” And they went to Him and took hold of His feet [in homage] and worshiped Him [as the Messiah].
[10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me [just as I promised].”
Romans 1:1-7 AMP
[1] Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative), set apart for [preaching] the gospel of God [the good news of salvation],
[2] Which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the sacred Scriptures—
[3] [The good news] regarding His Son, who, as to the flesh [His human nature], was born a descendant of David [to fulfill the covenant promises],
[4] And [as to His divine nature] according to the Spirit of holiness was openly designated to be the Son of God with power [in a triumphant and miraculous way] by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
[5] It is through Him that we have received grace and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the Gentiles,
[6] and you also are among those who are called of Jesus Christ to belong to Him;
[7] [I am writing] to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called to be saints (God’s people) and set apart for a sanctified life, [that is, set apart for God and His purpose]: Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.