Military Devotion – Because He Lives – April 3, 2026

About this episode

This episode reflects on the theme of mortality and hope based on Matthew 28:1-10.

Watch the Devotion Based on Matthew 28:1-10 Because He Lives A g old star on purple backdrop, an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, topped by a helmet and draped with dog tags, a casket, an urn, a field of white marble headstone s – all reminders of our mortality . These objects and symbols evoke a cloud of emotions : for some grief and sadness, for others loneliness , anger, resentment, and sometimes they are prompt ed t o ask God, “Why?” For friends and family of a man named Jesus from Nazareth, the objects that brought about these emotions were a wooden cross, the soldier’s hammer and nails, his spear. Is it possible that every time they witnessed a public execution on a cross those feelings of loss, horror, sadness and grief filled their hearts? Every time they saw a Roman soldier at his post or on patrol brought feelings of resentment and anger? As they walked the paths of Palestine to pluck figs or gather grapes and their hands were pricked by thorns from a shrub, they would see their own blood and shudder? But something helped them manage and cope with those feelings, something helped to redirect their thoughts to the truth that gave these objects and symbols new…

Topics covered

• military
• devotion
• spirituality
• religion

Keywords

• Because He Lives
• Matthew 28:1-10
• mortality
• hope

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Scripture

Places: Nazareth, Palestine, San Diego, California

More episodes of WELS Military Devotions

• Military Devotion – Walking with Jesus’ Promises – April 17, 2026 · April 17, 2026 · 10 min
• Military Devotion – Hope because He Lives – April 10, 2026 · April 10, 2026 · 10 min
• Military Devotion – MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY. – March 27, 2026 · March 27, 2026 · 10 min
• Military Devotion – Beyond the Flag-Draped Case – March 20, 2026 · March 20, 2026 · 10 min