Read Luke 23:44-24:3
“And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid.”—Luke 23:55
It was a week like no other. Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem amidst the cheers of the crowds hailing Him as the Messiah, Son of David, and King of Israel. A week later, betrayed by one of His own disciples, denied by one of His closest friends, and forsaken by those who called Him Master, Jesus was left all alone to meet His accusers. Now, the young prophet upon whom so many had hinged their hopes was dead.
A few women who’d traveled with Him from Galilee now traveled in a sad processional, following His body to the tomb in which He would be laid. The Romans, the Sanhedrin, and the religious establishment seemed to have won. After all the preaching, teaching, healing and delivering Jesus had performed over the past three years, it came down to this somber occasion. Everything seemed lost.
But that was only Friday evening. The bleak gloom, fear and despair of Friday evening would soon fade into the euphoric amazement, excitement and joy of Sunday morning when it’s discovered Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He promised.
The resurrection of Jesus assures us of our own resurrection. It provides comfort, encouragement and peace that once this life is over, life isn’t over! But the resurrection isn’t only about the hereafter. The resurrection is a tangible reminder for every disciple there’s hope beyond what we see. There’s peace beyond the current turmoil. There’s victory waiting on the other side of the battle. It’s the power to live resurrected lives even now.
The resurrection isn’t only the guarantee of peace and regeneration in the great beyond; it’s the undeniable assurance that even when all seems lost, it’s not over yet. Stand firm, Sunday morning is coming!
Lesson to Remember: God not only wants you resurrected after death; He wants you to live a resurrected life NOW!
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”—Psalm 30:5
When I first began reading the commentary about Jonah, I didn’t think it was really for me. As I read on, God softened my heart and I realized it was for me. I thought back to a family member I helped “raise” when his father was absent. He recently had a baby but did not even contact me, his only living Aunt. I’ve written, I’ve begged him to communicate but he seems to resent me ( and my parents who have provided monetary help during his entire life.) I have been in turmoil about just giving up, but after reading, I know that I need to try to keep on doing what I am called to do…. Continue to love him and keep trying, acknowledge the newborn, send love and gifts. There is a blessing awaiting my change of heart. Hopefully he will come around …I’m praying!
Thank you for sharing your comment. I believe there’s a little Jonah in all of us in one way or the other. The key is being open to that revelation. And you’ve found the answer, never give up! Stay strong, stay in prayer! Nat