Check The Rock- Week of April 6th, 2026
5-Day Easter Devotional: Check the Rock
Day 1: The Stone Has Been Rolled Away
Reading: Mark 16:1-8
Devotional: The women approached the tomb worried about a massive stone—one to two tons blocking their way. Yet when they arrived, the barrier had already been removed. How often do we approach God's work focused on obstacles rather than possibilities? The rolled-away stone represents more than physical removal; it symbolizes the destruction of every barrier between God and humanity. Death, sin, shame—all the stones that separate us from abundant life have been moved by Christ's resurrection power. What "stones" are you fixating on today? Remember, the same God who moved that tomb stone can move the mountains in your life. The question isn't whether God can remove your obstacles, but whether you'll trust Him enough to approach anyway.
Reading: Mark 16:1-8
Devotional: The women approached the tomb worried about a massive stone—one to two tons blocking their way. Yet when they arrived, the barrier had already been removed. How often do we approach God's work focused on obstacles rather than possibilities? The rolled-away stone represents more than physical removal; it symbolizes the destruction of every barrier between God and humanity. Death, sin, shame—all the stones that separate us from abundant life have been moved by Christ's resurrection power. What "stones" are you fixating on today? Remember, the same God who moved that tomb stone can move the mountains in your life. The question isn't whether God can remove your obstacles, but whether you'll trust Him enough to approach anyway.
Day 2: He Is Risen—The Foundation of Faith
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Devotional: "He is risen." Three words that changed everything. Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles. Without the empty tomb, our faith is futile, our preaching pointless, our hope hollow. But because Christ lives, everything transforms. The resurrection isn't just a historical footnote—it's the cornerstone of our entire belief system. Paul makes it clear: if Christ hasn't been raised, we're still in our sins, still without hope. But the tomb is empty! This means Jesus' words are true, His promises are valid, His power is available. When doubts creep in, when faith feels fragile, when the world seems dark—check the rock. The empty tomb stands as eternal evidence that God keeps His promises and death has been defeated.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Devotional: "He is risen." Three words that changed everything. Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles. Without the empty tomb, our faith is futile, our preaching pointless, our hope hollow. But because Christ lives, everything transforms. The resurrection isn't just a historical footnote—it's the cornerstone of our entire belief system. Paul makes it clear: if Christ hasn't been raised, we're still in our sins, still without hope. But the tomb is empty! This means Jesus' words are true, His promises are valid, His power is available. When doubts creep in, when faith feels fragile, when the world seems dark—check the rock. The empty tomb stands as eternal evidence that God keeps His promises and death has been defeated.
Day 3: Terror, Astonishment, and Holy Fear
Reading: Luke 24:1-12
Devotional: The women's response to the resurrection was visceral—trembling, astonishment, fear. They weren't casually informed; they were physically shaken by encountering the reality of resurrection power. It's one thing to discuss resurrection theology; it's entirely different to experience its reality. Hope can be frightening when you've lived in darkness. Light hurts eyes accustomed to shadows. The women loved Jesus, followed Him faithfully, yet still felt afraid when confronted with His victory over death. Your fear doesn't disqualify you from faith. God can work with your trembling, your questions, your bewilderment. Bring your doubts to the empty tomb. The resurrection is overwhelming precisely because it's real, powerful, and life-altering. Let yourself be undone by the magnitude of what God has done.
Reading: Luke 24:1-12
Devotional: The women's response to the resurrection was visceral—trembling, astonishment, fear. They weren't casually informed; they were physically shaken by encountering the reality of resurrection power. It's one thing to discuss resurrection theology; it's entirely different to experience its reality. Hope can be frightening when you've lived in darkness. Light hurts eyes accustomed to shadows. The women loved Jesus, followed Him faithfully, yet still felt afraid when confronted with His victory over death. Your fear doesn't disqualify you from faith. God can work with your trembling, your questions, your bewilderment. Bring your doubts to the empty tomb. The resurrection is overwhelming precisely because it's real, powerful, and life-altering. Let yourself be undone by the magnitude of what God has done.
Day 4: Living Hope for Broken Lives
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Because Jesus lives, we have living hope—not wishful thinking, but confident expectation rooted in resurrection power. The same power that raised Christ from death is available to break destructive cycles in your life, redeem your worst mistakes, and transform your deepest wounds. This hope isn't dependent on circumstances improving or problems disappearing. It's anchored in the unchanging reality that Christ conquered death and offers you an inheritance that cannot perish, spoil, or fade. What areas of your life feel dead, broken, or beyond repair? The resurrection declares nothing is beyond God's redemptive power. You don't need more programs, strategies, or self-help techniques. You need more Jesus—His presence, His power, His promises alive in your daily reality.
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Because Jesus lives, we have living hope—not wishful thinking, but confident expectation rooted in resurrection power. The same power that raised Christ from death is available to break destructive cycles in your life, redeem your worst mistakes, and transform your deepest wounds. This hope isn't dependent on circumstances improving or problems disappearing. It's anchored in the unchanging reality that Christ conquered death and offers you an inheritance that cannot perish, spoil, or fade. What areas of your life feel dead, broken, or beyond repair? The resurrection declares nothing is beyond God's redemptive power. You don't need more programs, strategies, or self-help techniques. You need more Jesus—His presence, His power, His promises alive in your daily reality.
Day 5: What Will You Do With This News?
Reading: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
Devotional: Mark ends his gospel with an open question: What will you do with the news that He is risen? Will you remain silent in fear, or become a witness? Will you stay at the tomb, or follow the living Lord? The women eventually moved from terror to testimony, becoming the first evangelists. The resurrection demands response. It's not merely historical information to acknowledge but life-altering reality requiring action. You cannot encounter the risen Christ and remain unchanged. Faith comes from hearing, and how can others hear unless someone tells them? Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus is alive? What step of faith is God calling you to take today? The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. And He's calling you to move from spectator to participant in His resurrection story.
Reading: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
Devotional: Mark ends his gospel with an open question: What will you do with the news that He is risen? Will you remain silent in fear, or become a witness? Will you stay at the tomb, or follow the living Lord? The women eventually moved from terror to testimony, becoming the first evangelists. The resurrection demands response. It's not merely historical information to acknowledge but life-altering reality requiring action. You cannot encounter the risen Christ and remain unchanged. Faith comes from hearing, and how can others hear unless someone tells them? Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus is alive? What step of faith is God calling you to take today? The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. And He's calling you to move from spectator to participant in His resurrection story.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
— 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
— 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
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