“and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.”
Matthew 27:60 ESV
Jesus had walked with them, talked with them, ate with them and performed miracles in front of them. But now He was gone. Had they believed a lie, were they lead astray by a false prophet like all the leaders were accusing?
I can’t imagine the hopelessness they must have felt in the moments after he breathed his last breathe. Although Jesus had prophesied of this very thing the disciples still didn’t understand. They were blinded by the memories of Jesus on the cross and the reality a cold tomb.
Many people live their lives in this state of hopelessness. A life once filled with hope is shatter by the reality of a fallen world. Heartache, disappointment, abuse, abandonment, are all symptoms of a world without Jesus. A world where Jesus is still in the tomb.
In Psalms we read… “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
To live a life without the presence of Jesus is life of confusion, heartache, disappointment and monotony. When we put aside all the distractions, all the lies of the enemy and sit at his feet we find peace, hope and refuge.
“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6 ESV He is not here! He is risen. I cannot imagine the hope that began to fill their souls when they heard those words.
Whatever season you find yourself in today, repeat those words to your self. He is risen! Find time to sit in his presence. Let him carry the hopelessness and chaos in your life and give you the peace and joy only He can.
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”
Psalm 16:9 ESV
That Could Preach 