Photo by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash
Scripture: Matthew 28:5-6 – Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.
Reflection: I have found myself, this holy week, thinking a lot about the death and Resurrection of Christ. As I was scrolling on Facebook, recently, I came upon a post on the United Church of Christ page, from UCC President John Dorhauer – and his words gave me hope; he said, “Death did not destroy Jesus.”
These words give such hope because we look to the moment when everyone knew the death of Christ was inevitable, and we see the defeat. We see the sadness, and the hopelessness of those who before had so much hope! Even Jesus, Himself, felt like God had forsaken Him. All of this, only to find out in the end, that “Death did not destroy Jesus” – it only made Him stronger!
I’m going to do my best to always remember this statement. Especially when I am going through a hard time, or when I feel like I am crumbling under the weight of life – that “death did not destroy Jesus” and the things I am struggling with cannot destroy me. The things that were meant to hurt me can be used as springboards to move me to my next place in life.
What I love about the story of the death of Jesus, in Matthew, is that when He died, and the earth shook, Matthew 27:54 says “Now when the centurion and those with him , who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake, and what took place, they were terrified and said , truly this man was God’s son!” So, make no mistake about it, there will be people around to see you fail; there will be people around who will rejoice at your relapse, and celebrate your downfall – but oh the day, what a marvelous day, when the onlookers realize you are a child of God – and you can’t be destroyed!
This week, I am grateful for the life and death of Christ – and knowing that because He is a conqueror, I too am a conqueror. How amazing it is to know that something that was meant to stifle your voice, something meant to keep you down, was only a catalyst to lift you higher (I just got chills)!
Prayer: My God – thank You for Your life, death and resurrection. I am so grateful that You thought of me as You were led to the Cross on that faithful day. You, the Ultimate Sacrifice, atoned for my sins, and set me free, before I was even born. You defeated death, and gave everlasting life to those who love You. I’m grateful that You conquered death – and because of that, I am no longer afraid! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Devoted to God 