February 9, 2023

Laid to Rest

Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.  Luke 23:53

The torture was over, and Jesus was finally laid to rest.  How peaceful this scene must have been after such an excruciating day.  He had completed His work, fulfilled the law and gave His life as a ransom for all.  Finally, He could rest from all His trouble.  He faced the most gruesome and horrific death of all time.  Not only did He suffer at the hands of man, but God’s wrath for sin was poured out on Him.  Finally, His enemy was defeated.

We don’t know for sure what happened while His body laid in the tomb.  Many believe He descended to the enemy’s domain and stripped him of the keys of death and any power he had stolen from God’s created people.  Ephesians 4:7-9 tells us the He descended into the lower parts of the earth to set the captives free.  We also read in other passages that when He raised from the dead, many were raised up with Him. (See Matthew 17:52-53)

To His disciples, this was a very sad time.  They thought that their Lord had been killed and that they would never see Him again until they died. But for Jesus, this was just the next step in the plan.  It was a trick played by God on His enemy to get His people back.  Satan thought that he had successfully captured, tortured and killed the One who was sent to defeat Him, but he was so wrong. It was far from being over!

Whatever you are facing today, know that it’s not over.  Even the things in your life that look like they have died, God can give new life to.  Whether it is a family relationships, your marriage or bank account, there is hope by putting it in the hands of Jesus.  Just as His body lay dead for 3 day and then was resurrected, God can resurrect your circumstances too.  He has the grace you need for whatever you are up against.  Don’t let the enemy steal back what Jesus died to get for you.  Turn your situation over today and God will restore what belongs to you.

Today I want to encourage you to be so thankful for all that Jesus died to give you!  Yes, the salvation that you desperately needed to rescue you from eternal separation and torment, but also the gift of the Holy Spirit living in you and guiding your life.  All this is possible because of His sacrifice.  Honor Him today for sticking to the plan and completing that part to make us His own.  Then tell that good news to others.  Share the message of His gospel everywhere you go.  It is the only thing that matters in this life.  Be His witness and lead other captives to the freedom He died to get them.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 23:50-56

50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. 

51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. 

52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 

53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 

54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near.

55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 

56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.