Faith When Grieving 10.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of Luke, please read Chapters 23-24 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023-24&version=9

Today we will read about Jesus standing before Pilate and Herod; Jesus crucifixion and resurrection; the ministry of the risen Christ, His commission, and His ascension. Today's message focuses on the importance of holding on to Jesus even when we face the death of our loved ones.

"And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." (Luke 23:44-46).

Some of women who were followers of Jesus watched as their beloved Lord died on the cross. A man named Joseph begged for Jesus body, took it down from the cross, and placed it in a sepulchre that was reserved for him, these women follow Joseph to the sepulchre. "And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment." (23:50-56). These women had no thought of deserting their Lord in death, even though a hostile crowd had crucified Him.

However, they were greatly concerned about Jesus' body, but soon discovered that their concern had already been taken care of by an angel. "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." (24:1-7). Full of exitement these women rushed to the apostles to relate their thrilling discovery, "It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles." (24:10).

Our love for the Lord Jesus and His Word should enable us to overcome any temptation to be intimidated by unbelievers Neither the women nor the apostles were expecting such a glorious experience on that resurrection morning. God always has better things in store for us, we might face trials or death of loved ones, but He always knows what is best, even when we do not understand. I had an Aunt who went in for minor surgery, the surgery went great and everything was taken care of, but within a day there were complications and she passed away a couple of weeks later. While we grieved I could not help, but think about the peace she was now in as she was not suffering any longer. God did not want her to be laying there with wires and ventilators keeping her physical body alive nor would this once very active woman want to be there either. God sees what we do not see on the surface. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19).

Dear Lord,
When we consider how many struggles, hardships and temptations we face in our lifetime the weight of these difficulties could overwhelm us. Today I am aware some readers are grieving the death of a loved one. God of all Comfort, may you comfort them and give them peace based upon your promises. Remind them that it is in Your resurrection that we stand victorious in the end when we face our last enemy on this side. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

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