Exploring Easter 4/6/23

After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it.
John 19:38-39 MSG
 
“Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.
Matthew 24:32 MSG

Day 4
Buried
Hope Abandoned
            On the surface of things, all hope had been lost. Jesus, the promised Savior of the world, was dead and buried. Joseph of Arimathea, along with Nicodemus, had physically embalmed and wrapped His body and laid Him down in the new tomb to rest.
            On the surface of things, all hope was gone. The Disciples would have been distraught having watched their only hope defeated by man. Confused, scared and unsure, I can only imagine what the followers of Jesus must have been feeling, believing that all they had been promised would never come to pass.
Broken Promises
            Have you ever felt this way? Perhaps, in your present circumstances, things have been spoken over your life; promises, hope, future. But none of them have come to pass yet and you are confused, scared and unsure of what to think.
It’s hard to wait, isn’t it? Hard to wait on the promises of God and believe that, even when you cannot see what is happening beneath the surface of what appears to be a grave, life and hope reside underneath. Friday was a day of depression, darkness and loss for the Disciples of Jesus. But Sunday was on its way.

‘Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.’ 
- Matthew 24:35 NLT

If God has made you a promise, just as He did the Disciples concerning Jesus Christ, rest in the knowledge that He cannot act in opposition to who He is, and His words will never disappear.

Questions
Q1. What does today’s scripture reveal to you?
Q2. What promises and hopes exist in your life that appear dead on the surface?
Q3. How will you posture yourself as you wait for God to come through on his promises?

Exploring Easter
Youversion devotional
PUBLISHER
CBN Europe