Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 31, 2015
At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. John 19:41
I visited the garden tomb of Jesus. He was not there. He came alive and left His grave site 1,960 years before my first visit. Fifty of us, including my wife Rita—sang hymns of celebration over Christ’s resurrection. It was surreal and fantastic. The garden area literally pulsated with life. We were encapsulated by gorgeous green vines dotted with brilliant pink flowers, hanging in humble adoration and praise of the empty tomb. I wept as I worshiped my risen Lord Jesus. Life was birthed in this place first dedicated to death. Christ’s tomb became salvation’s womb.
Adam brought death to the perfect Garden of Eden. Sin was birthed. Jesus brought life to the imperfect garden of a grave. Forgiveness was birthed for all who received Jesus, the Son of God. This was a new grave that would bring newness of life to all who would believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Indeed, a saved soul is able to cultivate a garden of grace. Love flourishes in a heart where humility grows faith. Life comes to all who die to selfish desires. A heart tilled by trust in God is alive. It sings hymns of thanksgiving for Jesus rising from the dead.
“Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead)” (John 20:8-9).
Have you passed from death to life in your faith walk with Jesus? Do you accept the historical fact of Christ’s resurrection? Easter’s realities are the hinges on which the door of Christianity opens. Without belief in a risen Lord Jesus—the door of becoming a Christian remains closed. Because you love a risen Lord, He empowers you to experience life giving grace in the middle of life taking circumstances. Your heavenly Father can revive a dead relationship. The Holy Spirit can bring about holy outcomes from unholy situations. New life comes from death to old ways.
A life of humility comes from the death of pride. A life of peace comes from the death of distrust. A life of contentment comes from the death of striving. A life of fruitfulness comes from death of self. A life of love comes from death of indifference. A life of faith comes from death of fear. By faith we put to death sin and trust the Lord Jesus to bring to life—His life in us. Death in this life is a door to be with Jesus: now on earth and ultimately with Him in heaven. His life comes from our death.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:25-26).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to die to whatever is not of You, so I can live with You.
Related Readings: Matthew 27:52; Mark 8:35; John 12:23-25; 1 Corinthians 15:42-58
Post/Tweet this today: Life was birthed in a place first dedicated to death. Christ’s tomb became salvation’s womb. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 5 minute music video- Gaither’s: He’s Alive
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