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Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’. When He had said this, He breathed His last.”
Luke 23:46
Good Friday. The day, 2000 years ago, where all hope seemed to be lost. Jesus, the Messiah; the Savior; the Healer; the Miracle-Worker; the Friend, was dead. His disciples, His family, and His friends all mourned deeply as they received news of His death. Even with Jesus’ promise of His resurrection, those closest to Him felt true despair in the face of the unknown. No one had any idea what the future would hold.
But, the story doesn’t end there.
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”
Luke 24:2-3
Jesus fulfilled His promise. But, as the women relayed their angelic encounter and the glorious news, the rest of the disciples couldn’t believe. Those who did not believe stayed focused on their circumstances. For many, it wasn’t until Jesus came to them, face to face, alive and well, that their focus changed from one of despair to one of rejoicing.
Jesus the Messiah was not gone; He did as He had promised. The tomb was empty, but His promises were not!
In the midst of all that is going on in our nation and the world, it is easy to become overwhelmed by our circumstances. Fear of the unknown can cloud out the promises of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged this Easter to encounter Jesus and remember His great promises. Our story doesn’t end here; Jesus has promised so much more.
As we reflect on what Jesus did on the cross one Friday 2000 years ago, we can choose to celebrate with overflowing joy that He continues to keep His promises. Although Friday is here, with Sunday comes an empty tomb.
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:20