PREPARATION AS THE GROUND TESTIFIES TO OUR KING'S VICTORY.
Read Matthew 27:51,52
Can we rescue at least part of this day to prepare the altars of our
hearts as well as the chancels of our churches? As we make last-minute
adjustments on new suits and dresses, is it possible to adorn our souls
and spirits in new beauty?
Following a centuries-old custom Christian churches begin their
services shortly after sundown today; some continue all night long
re-enacting the drama of the first Easter. Dark since Good Friday, the
churches spring to light as the candles are lit again. Worshipers
recall how new life sparked back into the lifeless Form in the borrowed
tomb. Orders of worship encourage the practice of preparation for
Easter Eve with scripture and prayer.
It didn't take the eyewitnesses of Jesus' death very long to realize
that something unusual had happened. "At that moment" they were given
notice of the impact of His death, feeling it in . . .
PREPARATION AS THE GROUND TESTIFIES TO OUR KING'S VICTORY.
Read Matthew 27:51,52
Can we rescue at least part of this day to prepare the altars of our hearts as well as the chancels of our churches? As we make last-minute adjustments on new suits and dresses, is it possible to adorn our souls and spirits in new beauty?
Following a centuries-old custom Christian churches begin their services shortly after sundown today; some continue all night long re-enacting the drama of the first Easter. Dark since Good Friday, the churches spring to light as the candles are lit again. Worshipers recall how new life sparked back into the lifeless Form in the borrowed tomb. Orders of worship encourage the practice of preparation for Easter Eve with scripture and prayer.
It didn't take the eyewitnesses of Jesus' death very long to realize that something unusual had happened. "At that moment" they were given notice of the impact of His death, feeling it in their feet as "the earth shook and rocks split." The shock waves rattled them to their souls, for they exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!" 27:54.
His death had religion-altering effects. God's ground-shaking notice tore the curtain in the temple in two from top to bottom. The OT religious code, with its symbolic rituals and sacrifices, at that moment became outdated. Jesus had cut through the barrier between the holy God and sin-infected humanity.
He, on the cross, "entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. Heb. 9:12 He opened the way for all into God's holy presence. His death also had life-altering effects, "the tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life." The ground was giving notice that there would be a resurrection of all flesh.
Christian friends, Today is the "quiet day" of Holy Week. Jesus body lay lifeless in the ground that Holy Saturday. But the ground gave up the body of this King, who stood his ground for us. He rose from the dead. Ever since, into all eternity, he rules our hearts through His Word, so that tomorrow and every day we can celebrate with certainty the truth that He has conquered death for us.
All glory to Jesus, begotten of God
The Great I AM is HE;
Creator, Sustainer, but wonder of all,
The Lamb of Calvary.
PRAY with me - O God, who did enlighten this most holy night with the glory of the Lord's resurrection, may I be renewed in body and soul as I wait for tomorrow. Amen