Victory in Death

Darkness surrounded the tomb where Jesus’s lifeless body lay. The enemy of God, Satan, thought that he had won the eternal battle. In Jerusalem, on this first Easter, there wasn’t much happening. Though darkness seemed to reign, there were enough operations taking place in heaven above, far beyond our comprehension, to determine mankind's ultimate fate.

Jesus, the man who once walked the dusty streets of Jerusalem, was inspired by love and compassion; he performed innumerable miracles because his sole aim was to carry out the will of his Father, who sent him. But he was no longer with us.

Though all hope appeared to be lost physically, there was a supernatural disarming. The evil one's power and authority had been taken away. The tomb could no longer hold the Almighty.

The days when Jesus lay buried speak directly to our daily lives. We meet many situations that cause us considerable concern and practically leave us in a state of despair, even prompting us to ask what good can emerge from such terrible conditions. But none of these situations are the end of the story for a follower of Jesus. No more than the dark tomb was the end of the story for Jesus himself!

A sermon which stuck in my memory reminded me that when we find ourselves in a dark, lonely and cramped situation, we must remind ourselves that there will always be light in the midst of darkness. God, our Father, through Jesus Christ his Son, is willing and more than able to save us from the hand of the enemy so that we may sit with him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

Thank you, Heavenly Lord, for the hope we have in Christ. Thank you that there is victory in every situation because of Christ, who defeated death and now reigns as King and Lord of all in heavenly glory. Amen.

Throughout this Day: If you are still in the valley of decision at this hour, make the decision to entrust your life to Jesus. Christ overcame death to offer us triumph.