D eath is so final, so irreversible. On the cross, Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished."
The cross was not the end of the story; it was the beginning. The empty tomb shouts to us today that we are saved and have the promise and assurance of eternal life. Jesus died. He rose again. The empty tomb gives all who know him personally Christ's power over death. Christian—you have nothing to fear!
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
M atthew 5:1-12 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. (2) And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: (3) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (4) "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (5) "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (6) "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (7) "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (8) "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (9) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (10) "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven
* Meditation by Tamora Whitney
T he readings today are comforting, which is good, because I need comforting. In the beatitudes we are told that those who are having a tough time now, suffering in this world, will not suffer forever. The trials of this world will be reversed in heaven. Those who are meek and obedient to God will get their reward, perhaps not here, perhaps not soon, but their reward will be great in heaven. Those who show mercy here will be shown mercy there.. People here who feel they have not been blessed will receive those blessings in heaven.
My husband recently died. It’s very hard for me. Of course I am mourning. And here I see, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” And, as I said, I’m in need of some comforting. And I’m hurting, but I do still feel blessed. I know what a blessing it was for us to have the time we had together. And I still feel his presence. I have the blessings of wonderful memories, and I am comforted knowing that we will be together again on the other side – what a great reward that will be.
Supplementary Reading
Power over Death
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. – John 6:40
No fear surpasses the fear of death.
For most of us, all fears pale in comparison, even the fear of failure or shame. Death is so final, so irreversible. On the cross, Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished." Onlookers probably thought they would never see or speak to Jesus again. Jesus was saying by his outcry that the ultimate battle with Darkness was finished! The ransom was paid. Death was defeated once and for all.
The cross was not the end of the story; it was the beginning. The empty tomb shouts to us today that we are saved and have the promise and assurance of eternal life. Jesus died. He rose again. The empty tomb gives all who know him personally Christ's power over death. Christian—you have nothing to fear!
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What is one fear you have? Picture the empty tomb and remind yourself what it symbolizes. Then say aloud: "With the power of the risen Christ, I can overcome my fear."
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Note: This excerpt was taken from the "Power for Life Daily Devotional"
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