Easter Reflections
The Tomb of Triumph March 29, 2013
My first memory of death is the funeral of a distant cousin who had committed suicide I was very young, probably about six or seven. I did not know the young man, so I had no emotions connected to him. I have no idea what his beliefs were, or why he felt so desperate that he had to take his own life. I do remember that his funeral was very sad, and those in attendance were feeling hopeless.
Since then, like everyone, I have had many friends and relatives die. That is part of life. Life on earth comes to an end. Life does not last forever.
Jesus’ death was devastating for those who were His followers. I can’t imagine how Mary must have felt as she watched her son die such an agonizing death knowing He had done nothing worthy of this punishment. Those who had traveled with him and had listened to his teachings heard Christ say the words “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:199 (NKJV). However, I don’t believe they understood the full meaning of what he was saying. There was probably a feeling of hopelessness in the days that followed Christ’s death. He was buried in a borrowed tomb. The tomb was sealed, and guarded to ensure that the disciples did not take the body of Jesus away, and then claim that He had risen, and was alive.
Today we have the gospel accounts to describe what happened on the third day. Every time I read them they bring excitement to my heart, and joy to my soul. I cannot immagine what it would have been like to have been there to see Jesus, in His new body, speaking to me that morning.
Matthew 28:1-10 (HCSB)
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow.4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.
5 But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news.9 Just then[a] Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He rose from the grave, that He is alive today, and that He gives New Life, have a hope that the greatest sorrow cannot destroy.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV)
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
One day, Christ will return to take us to our heavenly home. He will take us away from the burdens, fears, and heartaches of this world.
1 Corinthians 15:54 (HCSB)
When this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was victorious over death, and he will give us the victory over the sorrow we face today.
Isaiah 25:8 (HCSB)
He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove His people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Jesus experienced The Garden of Obedience and The Despair of the Cross so He could give us The Triumph of the Tomb.
My prayer is that you have this hope. I pray that you know triumph over the sorrows and heartaches that can come only through the peace in your heart that Jesus Christ can bring.
The sadness, struggles and situations may not be taken away in this life, but, Jesus Christ will give you the strength, wisdom and peace to face each of them. Then one day you will be able to join Him in the final victory and “thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Since then, like everyone, I have had many friends and relatives die. That is part of life. Life on earth comes to an end. Life does not last forever.
Jesus’ death was devastating for those who were His followers. I can’t imagine how Mary must have felt as she watched her son die such an agonizing death knowing He had done nothing worthy of this punishment. Those who had traveled with him and had listened to his teachings heard Christ say the words “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:199 (NKJV). However, I don’t believe they understood the full meaning of what he was saying. There was probably a feeling of hopelessness in the days that followed Christ’s death. He was buried in a borrowed tomb. The tomb was sealed, and guarded to ensure that the disciples did not take the body of Jesus away, and then claim that He had risen, and was alive.
Today we have the gospel accounts to describe what happened on the third day. Every time I read them they bring excitement to my heart, and joy to my soul. I cannot immagine what it would have been like to have been there to see Jesus, in His new body, speaking to me that morning.
Matthew 28:1-10 (HCSB)
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow.4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.
5 But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news.9 Just then[a] Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He rose from the grave, that He is alive today, and that He gives New Life, have a hope that the greatest sorrow cannot destroy.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV)
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
One day, Christ will return to take us to our heavenly home. He will take us away from the burdens, fears, and heartaches of this world.
1 Corinthians 15:54 (HCSB)
When this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was victorious over death, and he will give us the victory over the sorrow we face today.
Isaiah 25:8 (HCSB)
He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove His people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Jesus experienced The Garden of Obedience and The Despair of the Cross so He could give us The Triumph of the Tomb.
My prayer is that you have this hope. I pray that you know triumph over the sorrows and heartaches that can come only through the peace in your heart that Jesus Christ can bring.
The sadness, struggles and situations may not be taken away in this life, but, Jesus Christ will give you the strength, wisdom and peace to face each of them. Then one day you will be able to join Him in the final victory and “thus we shall always be with the Lord.”