Now entering also, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it occurred, at their being perplexed concerning this, lo! Two men stand before them in flashing attire. Now at their becoming affrighted and inclining their faces to the earth, they say to them, "Why are you seeking the living with the dead? He is not here, but was roused. Be reminded how He speaks to you, being still in Galilee, saying that, 'The Son of mankind must be given into the hands of men, sinners, and be crucified, and the third day rise'"
Lukes Account 24: 3-7, Concordant New Testament
It's often been said that things seem the darkest before the dawn of the day. Indeed, in the dark of night, worries often overcome us. Yet I think of those followers of Jesus that night. Having been witness to the man they perceived as a great teacher, and whom some believed in as the coming Messiah, crucified at the hands of the hated Romans and religious leaders of the day. What were their thoughts on that dark night? Jesus was gone now, they had been witness to His death on that cross. But somehow forgotten in all of the chaos were the words spoken by Jesus Himself before His death. That He would be delivered into the hands of the chief priests and religious leaders who would condemn Him to death {Matthews Account 20:18}. These words spoken by Jesus had been forgotten in the chaos of events that had unfolded before them that week. Yet these words spoken by Jesus ultimately came to pass before their eyes. They had been witness to His death, now they would be witness to His life. As the women stood before the empty tomb that morning not believing what they were seeing, the angels would speak and ask the obvious question, "Why are you seeking the living with the dead" {Lukes Account 24:5}? The angels then reminded them of the words Jesus had spoken to them regarding His death, "The Son of mankind must be given into the hands of men, sinners, and be crucified, and the third day rise" {Lukes Account 24:7}. This was the dawn of that third day. The empty tomb of Jesus stood as testimony of the truth of His words. Soon, many would also be witness to Him as He appeared to them after His resurrection. Many who saw Him would happily proclaim, "He is risen!" The thoughts of death and despair that had permeated the previous night were now replaced with the good news of the risen Jesus as dawn fell over Israel.
And when I perceived Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He places His right hand on me, saying, "Do not fear! I am the First and the Last, and the living One: and I became dead, and lo! living am I for the eons and eons. (Amen!) And I have the keys of death and of the unseen"
The Unveiling of Jesus Christ 1: 17-18, Concordant New Testament
This weekend marks the annual Easter celebration by Christians across the world. Churches will be filled with worshippers celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and savior. However, it should also be remembered that it is the church that called for the execution of Jesus {Lukes Account 24:7}. While many will scoff and say that todays church and the Jewish churches of Jesus' time are markedly different, I disagree. For Jesus did not speak against the church of His followers, but against the leadership of the synagogues, the scribes and Pharisees. Many are familiar with His "Woes to the Pharisees" we find in scripture {Matthews Account 23:13}. Sadly, the leadership of the mainstream churches we have today are not much different in hierarchy and style than those which the Jews of Jesus' time maintained. Of course, this should not be our focus. The focus should be on the words of Jesus and His rising from the tomb meant to enclose Him in death forever. Yet it is Jesus who has overcome the obstacle of death {Paul to the Romans 6:9}. It is Christ who has given Himself ONCE for all time {Paul to the Romans 6:10}. It is Jesus who has taken our punishment willingly on that cross {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in the same breath as our own life through Him {Johns Account 14:20}. As He lives, so do we.
~Scott~
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