Friday after 2nd Last - A Devotion
Devotion for Friday after 2nd Last
Why did the women go to the tomb that morning on the first day of the week? They came to look at the tomb, is what our text tells us, but why? Jesus had told them on a number of different occasions that He was going to suffer many things at the hands of the chief priests, elders, and scribes, be killed, and that after three days He would rise. Weren't they listening? Hadn't they paid attention?
Did they not remember Him saying to the Jews, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days?” Didn't they understand the words? It seemed pretty clear.
Had they forgotten Jairus’s
daughter? Had they forgotten the son of
the widow of Nain? Had they forgotten Lazarus? Jesus
had raised all these from the dead. And had proclaimed that
Or were they there to watch the spectacle? They wanted to see it happen? They were there to watch Him miraculously come forth from the tomb?
After the angel spoke to them, they left quickly with fear and great joy. But understand this, they came with spices to prepare His body to lie in estate as dead. This is an entirely unexpected turn of events.
But why would we expect that those who had walked and talked with Jesus before His death and resurrection be any different than us today. What, you do not think you are like those women that day? What makes you think you are any different?
Do you listen to Jesus, to the very Word of God, and take to heart, believe, and trust everything He says? Maybe consider it this way, , how well do you know the Word of God? Have you read your Bibles completely? When it comes to questions of where your Christianity comes into contact with the world, does God’s Word reign supreme? Or do you find yourself agreeing with the world’s view on things, even when it disagrees with what Jesus proclaims?
Let’s face it, there are a number of issues today where God’s Word and the views of society collide quite violently. That there is only One God, and that One is Three persons; Father, Son, Holy Spirit. What about the clear teaching of Jesus and the rest of Scripture that Christianity is the ONLY way to heaven – all other religions are manmade or Satan’s delusions? Sexual relations outside of wedlock? Living together without the benefit of marriage? Drunkenness? Lust in the heart, aggravated by the easy access of pornography on the internet? Reincarnation? Marriage as one man and one woman? That the dead will rise on the last day? How about how much time you devote to worship of God – as if showing up only occasionally is acceptable behavior toward one whom you claim to love with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
Yes, the tomb was empty. “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."
His salvation is accomplished! The empty tomb is the open-throated roar that the victory has been won, the enemy vanquished, and our tombs also will be open...that is, if you believe the Word of God!
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