Matthew 27:59-60, “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.”
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Have you ever wondered what that Saturday between Jesus’ death and resurrection was like? For some, it was just another Sabbath, a day of rest. Others went about their day apathetic and distant from the previous day’s events. They were so focused on the insignificant that they missed the most significant.
Jesus’ family and followers, however, were devastated. His disciples hid out in fear of receiving the same fate from the pride-filled religious leaders who were determined to silence this man and His message that had caused them three years of dismay. With all hope seemingly lost, Jesus’ death looked like the most epic failure of all time. All the while, the beaten and bloodied body of Jesus lay lifeless in the tomb. But everything was about to change.
Twenty-four hours later, Jesus would rise and death would be defeated. Hope would reign. Jesus’ resurrection power would be on tap for every lost, broken, and prideful sinner who made Him their personal Lord and Savior! Everyone who would call on His name — past, present, and future – would become new creations.
The space between the death and the resurrection of Jesus is a timely reminder of hope. No pandemic, political crisis or financial instability is more powerful than Christ. This crazy season is precisely that — a season. Seasons change, but Christ’s love and presence always remain.
List some specific obstacles that you feel are standing in the way of your success. Take time daily, over the next week, to ask God for strength and wisdom to overcome them. Share your list with a trusted confidant for additional encouragement and prayer. We are stronger together!
God, I’m so thankful that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to me. Help me see past the obstacles before me and trust that You are bigger than any problem I will face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.