When The Door Slams
Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" John 2:19 NIV
How would knowing the outcome of a difficult situation change your outlook while going through it? Jesus knew He was going to die in Jerusalem, but He also knew He was going to be raised from the dead. He believed the Messianic Psalms applied to Him: "For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption" (Psalm 16:10).
Jesus told His detractors who had asked Him for a miraculous sign that they would see only one sign--the sign of Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a great fish before being rescued from death. On the third day after Jesus' own death, He came out of the grave to give the world a sign it cannot deny. For a man to predict His own death and resurrection was something only God could do.
Did that lessen the anguish of the moments before His death? No, He was human, and He grieved the pain and suffering He was about to endure (Luke 22:44). But His faith in His Father's plan and protection was greater than His anticipation of suffering. He was wholly submitted to the Father's will (Luke 22:42). Jesus knew nothing could separate Him from God's Love, and we have also been given the same promise of resurrection Jesus was given (1 Corinthians 15:12-19 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). And we are to comfort one another with these promises (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Think about this: The Gospel writers give us many proofs of Jesus resurrection: sightings by witnesses, nail-scarred hands, a stone rolled away, and more. Truly, Jesus was--is --alive! As you prepare to celebrate Easter, give thanks to God that your faith is not in vain--that Christ was raised for you and me (1 Corinthians 15:14). Easter is the time when we remember the Savior's resurrection, which makes our own resurrection sure.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
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