Devotional Guide 05 April 2026

Passover 2026 Sermon 6: FIRSTFRUITS - Why Resurrection Was Always Required
Daily Devotional - Passover Week 6

Pastor Ryan Perry
Good Hope Baptist Church
05 April 2026

The BIG Idea (repeat daily)
“Because Christ lives, death is not the end; resurrection is our future.”

Day 1 — God Is the Source of Life
Scripture: Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:17

God did not simply create humanity; He breathed life into us. Life is not something we own; it is something we receive from Him.

That means death is not just physical. It is separation from the source of life.
From the beginning, the problem was never just sin.

The problem was always death.

Reflection:

• How does seeing God as the source of life change how you view your daily dependence on Him?
• Where are you trying to “live” apart from Him?

Prayer: God, remind me that my life comes from You. Draw me back to You as my source.

Day 2 — Passover Was the Beginning, Not the End
Scripture: Exodus 13:14–15

Passover was not just about being spared; it was about being brought into life.
God commanded Israel to teach their children: “This means something.”
Salvation is not just rescue from something. It is movement into something greater.

Reflection:

• Do you view salvation as escape or transformation?
• What does it mean that God brought you out to bring you in?

Prayer: Lord, help me see that Your salvation is not just rescue but new life.

Day 3 — Firstfruits: The Promise of More
Scripture: Leviticus 23:9–14

The firstfruits offering came before the harvest was complete. It was a declaration: What God has started, He will finish. The first sheaf was not the harvest; it was the guarantee of the harvest.

Reflection:

• Where do you need to trust that God will finish what He started?
• What “firstfruits” has God already given you as a promise?

Prayer: God, help me trust Your promises even when I have not yet seen the full harvest.

Day 4 — Resurrection Was Always the Plan
Scripture: Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 6:2

Resurrection is not a New Testament idea.
It is woven into the entire story of Scripture.

God promised:
Death would not win
The grave would not hold
Life would be restored

If God is faithful, then resurrection is necessary.

Reflection:

• How does seeing resurrection in the Old Testament strengthen your faith?
• What does it mean that God’s plan has always included victory over death?

Prayer: Father, thank You that Your plan has always been bigger than death.

Day 5 — Jesus Is the Firstfruits
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20–26

Jesus is called the firstfruits.
That means: His resurrection is not the end; it is the beginning of the harvest.
If He rose, then all who belong to Him will rise.

Reflection:

• How does Jesus’ resurrection change how you view your future?
• Do you live with resurrection hope or temporary thinking?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for rising from the dead. Help me live in the hope of what is coming.
 
Day 6 — Resurrection Begins Restoration
Scripture: Romans 8:18–23

Creation itself is waiting.
Not to be destroyed but to be restored.
God’s plan is not escape from the world. It is renewal of all things.

Reflection:

• How does this reshape your understanding of eternity?
• Where do you see glimpses of God restoring things even now?

Prayer: God, help me long for restoration, not just relief.

Day 7 — Because He Lives, We Will Live
Scripture: John 14:19

Jesus said: “Because I live, you also will live.”
This is not wishful thinking.
This is a promise secured by the empty tomb.
The story ends where it began:
Life with God.

Reflection:

• Do you truly believe death is not the end?
• How would your life change if you fully lived in resurrection hope?

Prayer: Jesus, anchor my life in Your resurrection. Help me live like eternity is real.