What can a preacher possibly say or do today that would be a fitting encore to proclaiming the glorious and joyful resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead?

The rhetorical question at the beginning of our text ("What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?") lets us know in no uncertainty terms that there is no way that we can possibly repay the Lord for His blessings--that all we can do is eagerly receive those blessings with thanksgiving.

            Not to make anybody feel guilty, but through the years I have often commented to people that you can't fully appreciate the festivities of an Easter service unless and until you have also experienced the somber mood of a Good Friday service.

This particular day of the church year has every appearance of being a day that seems to be somewhat ambiguous.  It is called "Good" Friday, and yet it seems to take on the appearance of being anything but good.

            What makes the Lord's "benefits" especially good for you is your knowledge and realization that the Lord Jesus did all of this "for you" (Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:24). 

It would appear that nothing in the whole world matters at all except "looking out for good ole Number One."

            This penitential season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday and is rapidly drawing to a close, is not a particularly "upbeat" season of the year for most people, perhaps especially for those in the Church.  In fact, a lot of people don't like Lent at all precisely for that reason.