Three days

      These days in which we live, remind me of the time the disciples waited between Friday and Sunday. Christ died on the cross and was buried. He left behind only promises that they would see Him again. I’m sure it was the longest weekend of their lives. They felt alone, abandoned. They left their hope at the grave, sealed behind a stone. When He died, their futures died with Him. Life was over, so they thought.

Have you ever felt hopeless, abandoned, like life was over?

      What they didn’t know is that this wasn’t the end. In fact, it was just the beginning. On the third day He rose from the dead and gave them the gift of life everlasting. Not a continuation of the same life, but the beginning of a new one. A life now lived in victory – through Him. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead gave them power over sin – they were no longer slaves to it. He set them free!

Are you free?

      It wasn’t long before He left them again, and once more gave promises. They had to wait again – put their trust in Him – believe. Then He sent the Holy Spirit; to be their guide, comforter, and counselor, revealer of truth, keeper and strength. He set them apart for God, and kindled a fire of love and hope within their hearts, a flame that could not be quenched.

Do you need love and hope?

      Our time here, in a way, is like their long weekend of waiting. Christ has left us here with promises – but we are not alone, not abandoned. We have His Holy Spirit waiting with us, keeping us set apart for Him. We have that same fire burning within our hearts, keeping love and hope alive until all the promises of God are fulfilled. And then we will see Him. He is coming again.

Are you looking for Him?

       

      Behold, he is coming with clouds,

and every eye will see Him,

even they who pierced Him.

Rev. 1:7

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,"

says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come,

the Almighty." Rev. 1:8