Verses of the Day: John 20:3-7, Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.
Happy Resurrection Sunday! This is the day we celebrate the fact that our Lord and Savior Jesus is not dead! Today, just as it was on that day, the tomb is empty! For the disciples, that would be a day when their joy would return. The sorrow of seeing their Teacher, their Lord, beaten, tortured, crucified, and put in a tomb would be dwarfed by the joy of seeing the tomb empty, and our God and Savior Jesus alive! Today we celebrate the fact that we have a Risen Savior, a Living Hope. 1 Peter 1:3-5 tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Death could not defeat Him and the grave could not hold Him. Acts 2:24 declares, “Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” But the Good News does not end there! There was something very significant that was put in these verses for us. Verse 7 says, “And the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.” A minor detail that in and of itself seems meaningless, yet it has great significance. The linen that wrapped His body remained, signifying that His body was not taken; it was not stolen. The handkerchief was left behind, as one to be used to wipe their tears, and this was a moment of celebration, and not of sorrow, for Jesus was alive! But even greater than that, as was and is the custom of one leaving their meal for a moment and leaving ones napkin folded as a symbol of our return to the meal and fellowship, the handkerchief was neatly folded as a reminder and symbol that this same Jesus who the grave could not hold is the same Jesus that will someday return to take us to be with Him forevermore! So today, let us not only celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, but let us also be watchful for the return of our Lord, Savior and King!
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
No comments:
Post a Comment