The Daily Dose

New Wine

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” Mark 2:22

I have written at other times about fasting being a time to set aside physical needs and desires to focus on spiritual growth and pressing into God.  In today’s reading, Jesus is questioned about fasting and why His disciples were not doing it.  He doesn’t say they don’t ever need to fast, but that they will at the appropriate time.  Then He talks about how to handle something new.  He says the new wine is not put into the old wineskins because the wine will be wasted when the skin breaks.  The old wineskin cannot contain/hold the new wine.  It needs a new wineskin that will expand as the wine does.

This is not something we consider in today’s world, mostly because we do not use wineskins anymore.  But the concept still remains and although the message of the gospel has been around for years, in today’s world there are many new “wineskins” that carry it.  Our job is to pour that wine into the new “skins” of today world.  Some examples would be blogging, and other things internet related that can spread the message of the gospel worldwide.  This is not a “skin” that was available in Jesus’ day.  We are also to be pouring the wine of the gospel into the next generation of leaders so that the message will continue to be shared after we are gone.  This is our greatest responsibility as disciples and children of God.

Lastly, the ministries of the next generation will look differently than they have in times past, and that is ok.  The message is the same, only the carrier of the message is different.  Our part is to continue on that work of the disciples until Jesus comes back for us in what ever method is most effective for reaching the lost.

Today I want to encourage you to pour the “wine” of the good news into the vessels that you are called to. Whether it be people of the next generation or other “skins” such as social media or even text message.  Seek out the platform that is being set for you, but also pray for those coming after you and the container that they will spread the message of salvation through. Only then will your mission be accomplished.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 2:18-22

18 The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 

20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. 

21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 

22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

He came for the hurting ones

Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.  Mark 2:15

Jesus was after the hurting and lost people of the world.  Those were the ones that came to Him for help.  They were the same people that were rejected by the priest and religious leaders of the day.  He did go into their synagogues to teach, but it was to reach hurting people, not because He wanted something from them.

In today’s reading, Jesus calls to Levi (Matthew), a tax collector.  On the surface, it doesn’t look like Matthew is hurting so much.  Tax collectors were very rich because they were paid well by the Romans to collect the tax money from their people.  The Hebrew people did not like them because they were working for Rome.  But Jesus saw something different.  He saw the need Levi had on the inside to be loved.  He saw the pain he felt for doing his job well. He saw the emptiness of living life alone.

Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees for going to Matthew’s home and eating with him and others who needed His love.  Jesus simply tells them that He came into the world for sinners, not those who think they got it all figured out.

This is good news for us today.  The same reason Jesus came to the world 2000 years ago still exists today.  He came to reach sinners.  He came to save the lost and He came to help the hurting.  Maybe you are in a place that you need the great physician, sick, tired alone?  Turn to Him today and He will rescue you right where you are.  He will pick you up out of your mess and He will turn your life around to make it count for all eternity.

Today I want to encourage you to answer the call He is giving you.  He sees your life and He knows your heart.  Turn it all over to Him today and start living your best life walking in the plans He created you for.  It is the best life, and it will produce the best version of you.  Come to Him today and leave your old ways behind. 

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 2:13-17

13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 

14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Bring others too

Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. Mark 2:3

Do you have friends, loved ones or neighbors that don’t have Jesus in their life?  Maybe you have tried to share with them the love of God but have never gotten through?  Maybe you are afraid or intimidated to share the message of salvation with them?  Can I just encourage you today that it doesn’t have to be hard?  Simply start bringing them along.

You influence as a believer is strengthened as your relationships do.  When you bring others along with you, it is your greatest witness.  Its not about forcing them to listen to the truth of God’s love and goodness, it is just about loving them in His place until He gets through to them.  Whether you take someone to run errands with you or invite them in for dinner?  It is more about spending time showing them they are important and worth whatever effort it takes to get the message into their heart.

In today’s reading, there are four friends that bring a man to Jesus.  He was paralyzed and in need of healing and salvation.  The friends didn’t stop when they couldn’t get the man to Jesus, they pressed on and found a way in.  They cared so much for each other that they were willing to do whatever it took to get him to his deliverance.

Today I want to encourage you to love those around you by bringing them along in life with you.  Whatever you have going on, bring others along too.  As your love for them comes through, they will see that because they are important to you, they are important to God.  Bring all those who need the Savior with you one at a time.  You will fulfill the mission you were given in this world and you will bring many more into His kingdom that might not have made it otherwise.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 2:1-12

1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 

2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 

3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 

4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 

7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 

9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 

10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 

11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 

12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

None to great or small

But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” Mark 1:38

I’m struggling again. Seems like things were going along fine when suddenly the problems of life hit. It’s like a storm that comes out of nowhere, with no end in sight. I don’t understand it and I need help. I cry out for peace, for comfort and for restoration. My Lord Jesus is my source of triumph and deliverance.

The remaining part of Mark 1 is a series of life circumstances that have hit many people in different ways. Jesus casts out demons, raises up the sick, healed many with various diseases and cleanses a leper.  He delivered all that came to Him from all that was oppressing them.  Nothing was too great and nothing was too small for Jesus to fix.

Maybe you are feeling the pressures of life today.  Maybe stress is building a skyscraper on top of you and you feel like there is no answers.  Maybe you are facing a struggle in your physical body or maybe you are dealing with an emotional issue.  Whatever it is, you can bring it to Jesus.  He is ready to ease your pain and free you from your prison.  There is still nothing too great or too small, He can handle it all.

Today I want to encourage you with the mountain you are facing.  Turn to Jesus.  Let Him be the One who gives you relieve.  Know that He is ready to rescue you from whatever you are going through and He will see you all the way through to victory!

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:21-45

21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 

22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 

24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 

26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 

27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 

28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 

30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 

31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 

33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 

34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 

36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 

37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 

42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 

43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 

44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

Follow Me

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Mark 1:17

“Follow Me.”  This was the call that Jesus gave the fishermen on the shore that day.  “I will make you fishers of men.”  Not the greatest sales pitch you ever heard, but it was all they needed to hear.  He didn’t say “Follow me and I will make you great leaders of the New Testament church one day,” though that did happen.  He didn’t say “Follow me and I will fill you with my Spirit so you can do my signs and wonders,” though they did that too. He didn’t even say “Follow me and I will make you a great warrior in my military.”  Which is what they were expecting to become.  He didn’t tell them everything they would have to go through and everything they would accomplish.  He only told them you are still going to be fisherman, only what you fish for will change.

He is still calling people to follow Him, today.  He calls us to follow Him to reach more people.  He calls us to do what we are doing, but with the focus of bringing more lives to Him for salvation.  He doesn’t tell us we will follow Him into storms, though we will.  He doesn’t tell us we will follow Him through dry places, but there will be some. He doesn’t even tell us about the rough waters we will have to go through, but He does say “Follow Me and I will take you through whatever happens to victory.”

We don’t know all the things we will face in this life, and the truth is we will go through struggles with or without following Him.  The difference is with Him, He always causes us to triumph! (2 Cor. 2:14) We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31) and our faith to follow gives us victory every time. (1 John 5:4)

Today I want to encourage you to “follow Him.”  I can’t promise you there will never be trouble, and I can’t promise you the road will always be smooth.  I can promise you He will never leave you and I can promise He will empower you to overcome.  It will not be the smooth and quiet life you think you want, but it will be the best and most fulfilled life.  Trust Him today and follow Him on the path of harvesting souls for eternity.  It will be an exciting adventure and it will be worth all that you go through when you meet Him face to face.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:16-20

16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 

17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 

18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 

20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

Get out of the Wilderness

And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.  Mark 1:13

Have you ever felt like you were in a “wilderness”?  Alone and wondering around without direction or purpose?  Maybe you felt like you were being forced to make decisions not because you wanted to but because circumstances demanded it? Have you ever found yourself so deep in temptation that you couldn’t possibly resist no matter how hard you tried?  Maybe you are feeling that way now and you don’t know how to get out of the “wilderness” of temptation and confusion?

I was in a “wilderness” for many years.  The sad part was that I didn’t even realize it.  I started out in life thinking I was on the right path, but it didn’t take long at all before I found myself in the thick of the jungle, surrounded by dangers and perils, making decision based on what life was throwing at me at the time.  Every time I tried to turn away from the deep woods that were surrounding me, I would feel the pressures and temptations pulling me right back into the badlands.

As deep as I was into the marsh, I know there were angels protecting me and keeping me from the destruction the enemy had planned for my life.  Many pits and ditches found me calling out to God for help, but it wasn’t until I found purpose in this world that I was propelled out of that wasteland on to God’s planned road for my life.

Jesus went through a wilderness experience too, but He didn’t stay there.  He fasted and prayed for forty days and at the end faced the greatest temptations.  He was prepared and not sucked into that dreaded life of no purpose and no vision for the future.  Even though He was surrounded by dangers, the angels strengthened Him.  He overcame the wilderness experience with the power of the Word of God that He had deep within Him and the power of the plan of God He knew He was born to accomplish.

Today I want to encourage you if you are going through a wilderness time, you do not have to stay there.  There is a way of escape.  First of all, call out to your Savior for help.  He will provide a way out, but knowing your purpose will keep you out.  Ask the Holy Spirit to make known to you the reason you are in this world, then ask Him to empower you to take steps in that direction.  It won’t happen overnight, and you will have to step away from some toxic habits and relationships, but when you are where you know you are supposed to be at the right time, it makes all the difference in the world.  When hard times come, you have the assurance that you are where God planned for your life and that assurance will keep you rooted in the garden of His goodness not in the wilderness of despair.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:9-15

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 

11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 

13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.

14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Your Place

Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5

There is a place for you in the body of believers. God has a plan and a purpose for your live in a specific place to make a difference in the lives of others.  Maybe it doesn’t feel like it right now or maybe it feels like it is taking a long time to get there, but I promise you that as you remain faithful in the little things He brings your way today, He will move you into greater places tomorrow.

In today’s reading, John the Baptist had a mission and a planned place.  Most of us know that He had an important role to play in announcing Jesus’ as the Messiah, but when you take a look at where his place was, it doesn’t seem very significant.  He wasn’t put in the spotlight at the synagogue, and he wasn’t invited into the inner city to hold revival meetings.  His mission took place in the wilderness.  Out in an uncultivated, uninhabited, remote area where nobody lived.  John could have been discouraged by the location of his ministry, but he just went ahead and preached until people came.  They did come and the scripture says that all the land of Judea and those from Jerusalem went out to him.  He never had to go drum up business in the cities, God brought people to him right where he was.  John’s ministry grew large, and his followers were many.  So much that when Jesus came on the scene, they left John and began to follow Jesus.  John’s disciples were among the fist people to follow the Messiah.  They got a front row seat even though they started away from everything where there wasn’t a soul in sight.

This is the same for you.  Whatever God has called you to or whatever place He has you in right now, He will bring people to you.  He will bring just the right people for you to love and encourage and teach about the love God has for them.  Even if you only reach one person, the numbers are not what matters.  God may have you in a place to reach only one, just because He loves them so much.

Today I want to encourage you to spend some time talking to your heavenly Father about the place He has for you to impact this world.  Don’t be discouraged if you don’t start out with a worldwide ministry.  Do your best right where you are and be faithful to love the few He has entrusted to you today.  If you don’t give up, He will bring more to you to love as you remember you are on mission for the kingdom of Heaven not for you own earthly fame.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:1-11

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.”

3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 

5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 

7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 

8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 

11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Make Disciples

_{Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20}

Today I want to talk about the authority Jesus gave us right before He ascended into heaven.  Most of us have heard these words and know them as the “Great Commission”. Jesus said in today’s reading that all authority had been given to Him, but then He turned around and delegated that authority to the disciples who were there with Him.  He said:  I have been given all authority, so now you can go and make disciples of all the nations. 

I have heard people argue that the Great Commission was only for the disciples that were with Jesus the day He ascended into heaven, but the truth is, it is for every believer.  We are to spread the message of the good news throughout the whole earth.  If it ended with the disciples, it would have ended when they died.  That just doesn’t make sense. Plus the message is still spreading today.

They key is that Jesus told them to go make disciples, just like they were.  Those with Jesus that day were in charge of sharing the message of salvation and then training others to do the same.  He did not tell them to go make converts.  His direction was very clear to make more disciples so that the gospel would spread quickly. Its the reason we have churches today, to make disciples to share the message of salvation.

The most exciting part for me about the great commission is quoted at the end of the book of Mark.  Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that signs and wonders would follow those who believe. I rejoice at hearing this because in years past, I thought that the signs that Jesus did passed away with His disciples.  But this passage in Mark says very clearly that these signs would follow all those who believe.  I am so thankful that Jesus wants His work to continue here on earth, which is one of the reasons He taught us to pray “God’s will be done on earth just like it is in heaven”. (Matt.6:10)

Today I encourage you to make disciples wherever you go.  I know it doesn’t always work out that you can do that if you share the message of salvation with someone you will never see again, but start by at least sharing the message.  If you can make a connection, help that person take some next steps in the faith walk by getting them connected with a small group or devotional to encourage them in their new life.  Next, be on the lookout for the opportunity for signs and wonders to follow.  Take the time to pray for others that may be sick or going through a battle. We have been given our marching orders by the head of the church, Himself, start today to go into all the world and make disciples.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 28:9-20

9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 

12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 

13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 

14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 

15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 

17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The Same Message

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”  Matthew 28:5-7

As I read today’s passage, I wondered what message I was going to be able to share about the angel at the tomb of Jesus.  I thought about how the birth of Jesus started out with a message from an angel and now the end of His life involves an angel also.  But what is the personal application?

Then I considered the message that the angel gave the Marys the morning of Jesus’ resurrection.  What was this message, and can it apply to us today?  Sure enough, I went through the things the angel told them and found that it is the very message that we are to be sharing with other everyday.  As I list the things the angel said, consider how you can share this message with someone today?

First of all, he said: “Do not be afraid.”  In today’s world, fear is everywhere, and with good reason.  If you don’t know the Savior and know that He is working in the world, this place can be extremely scary.  We can make this offering to those who do not know. “You don’t have to be afraid; this is all part of a plan, a divine plan.

Next the angel told the women that they were seeking Jesus who was crucified.  Recently, the Lord showed me that everyone is searching and seeking for their Savior, they just don’t know it.  Most people fill up that empty space they have inside with things or other people, but never achieve the fulfillment that only Jesus can give.

The angel told them to come, see the place where the Lord lay.  After we have shared the message that you don’t have to be afraid and that Jesus is the answer to the void within, you invite them to come with you to church or small group to check it out so they can see the difference He has made in others.

That phase may go on for a while, but when surrender finally does happen, then it is time to share the message with others that are searching.  The angel told them to go quickly and tell others He is risen and not dead.  This is the hope of the world.  We have a Savior, and He is alive and ready to rescue all who will call on Him.

The assurance of your heart is that He is going before you.  God’s Spirit goes before you everyday to prepare the way for you to share the message of His love for the world.  As you begin to trust Him more to guide your life and commit to following His lead, you will see Him at work in the circumstances around you.  The angel said when you go, there you will see Him.

Today I want to encourage you to not be afraid!  Consider the message of the angel the day Jesus came out of the grave. Have you received this message in your life?  If not, invite Him in today.  Then surrender all your cares and concerns over to Him and you will see Him at work is everything around you.  Share the message of the good news with others who are fearful and bring them with you as you come and see the difference He has made in those who have already been rescued.

Pray: ^{_{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}}

Today’s scripture reading:  Matthew 28:1-8

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 

4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 

6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 

7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The Body

When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. Matthew 27:59-60

As I read through this passage, it occurred to me that when Joseph of Arimathea asked for and took the body of Jesus to be buried, it is clear that it was only His body.  The scripture says he took the body and wrapped it and laid it in the tomb.  It does say that he took Jesus and wrapped Him and laid Him in the tomb.  Of course, we know the reason is because Jesus wasn’t in His body anymore.  It was simply what Jesus needed to operate in this physical world.  It was a temporary dwelling place for Him while He was here.  When He died on the cross, He (the real Jesus) left that body/earth suit. 

There are many thoughts about where Jesus was during those three days when His body was in the tomb.  However, my point is that we all have these physical bodies, but they are not who we really are.  The real “you” is what makes your body move.  Your physical body is a vehicle that takes you where you want to go and does the things you command it to do.  Your spirit person is the one that is actually in charge and when you are done with your body, the real you will leave it and it will be left to be buried just as Jesus’ was.

Now we know Jesus came back for His body.  When He moved back in, His body changed into a glorious state.  His body became incorruptible and immortal.  It means it could no longer die or deteriorate.  If you have received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus’ blood and sacrifice, then one day you will have an incorruptible body too.  You will walk in a glorified body for all eternity, always to be with your Lord Jesus in your resurrected glorious home.

Today I want to encourage you to know that you are not what you look like on the outside.  That is simply a home that the real you lives inside of.  Don’t let your outside appearance be the only beauty that is seen.  Let the true beauty of your love for others shine through in your smile and kindness.  Recognize that the looks you have today are only temporary and are fading away.  Don’t get caught up on trying to be the most attractive body in the room.  Instead, be the one with the kindest and most generous heart.  Let the outside world see that you are more than what the human eye can see.  There is an awesome person inside that can be the most beautiful person in the room, everywhere you go.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 27:57-66

57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 

58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 

59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 

60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. 

61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 

63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 

64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”

65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” 

66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.