John 14:2-3
There are many homes up there where my
Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When
everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can
always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you
plainly.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I substituted
for the teacher in the pre-K Sunday school class at our church. Eleven
three- and 4-year-olds arrived in their Easter finery to hear this
weeks’ Bible lesson. Our scripture verse was part of John 14:2…”I go to
prepare a home for you.”[paraphrased for the little ones] The
teacher’s guide instructed us to discuss the crucifixion and the
resurrection and burial of Jesus. Our art project was to color a
picture of a tomb/cave…and attach a “stone” with a little brass “brad”,
so that the stone could be “rolled away.”
The hole in the cave –
or “portal”, as one 4-year-old described it – contained the words, “He
is risen.” This was a fairly heavy lesson for this age group, but some
of the older children had a decent grasp of the story and helped to
guide the conversation. And as I talked with Timothy, Zola and Nathan
at lunch and thought about what they gleaned from their morning Sunday
school classes, I asked myself…”What is the “take-away” for ALL of us on
this Easter Sunday?”
The people who developed our church’s
Sunday school curriculum seemed to want us to remember two things:
1)“Jesus Christ is risen”; and 2) He has gone to prepare a home for us –
with Him – in Heaven. The children and I talked about how glorious
heaven with Jesus will be. During our lunch, Timothy expressed concern
about dying and going to heaven, and I assured him that it will be
wonderful – that we will have a mansion to live in with Jesus, and all
sorts of amazing things await us.
I told Timothy that we don’t
know what all will be in heaven, but we might even have swimming pools,
trampolines and skating rinks. He instantly replied, “Man, I bet those
dogs and Mam-ma are having a GOOD time!” He was referring to my mom and
sister’s dogs who both died within the last year…and my grandmother who
left this earth two years ago. In his five-year-old thinking, Timothy
instantly connected with the only breathing beings he knew who had
died. And he pictured them in heaven with Jesus…”having a GOOD time.”
He had trouble understanding why we cannot see Jesus if He is indeed
alive. I told him that Jesus lives in our hearts, and we can feel Him
with us each and every day…and he clutched his heart and said, “He’s
right here!”
So today, as we celebrate how Christ rose from the
grave…how He lives in our hearts and is preparing amazing rooms and
mansions for us where we will live with Him for all eternity…let us be
joyful. We should each picture Jesus and those loved ones who gave
their hearts to Him and have gone to heaven ahead of us “having a GOOD
time.” We must desire to live in such a way that we will be ready to
join them when our “room” is ready!
The tomb was empty…the “portal” was open and angels had rolled away a stone so heavy that even Superman or Iron Man could not have
moved it singlehandedly! Only Jesus – or one of God’s angels – could
do such a thing! He suffered and died because He loves us…He rose
because a mere grave for mortal men cannot hold Him…and He rose to
heaven to live with God and prepare a place for us. It’s a lot to take
in…almost too much to consider…but such an incredible message for each
of us.
I’ve heard other people say this, but the longer I live,
the sweeter the thoughts of heaven become…and the more I appreciate what
Jesus did so that I can live there someday. Easter Sunday is a time to
celebrate…and shout…and praise God for His amazing gift of Jesus. He
is risen! Jesus is preparing a permanent home for those who give their
hearts to Him and invite Him into their hearts. I am one of them…are
you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label empty tomb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label empty tomb. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 4, 2015
Luke 23:48-55
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All of Jesus' close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.
There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.
Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb. Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
After we buried our beloved cat Lucy four weeks ago, we ambled around the house rather aimlessly. We had done all we could do…there was nothing left except to sit and allow the profundity of what had just happened to soak in. Those were sad, heartbreaking hours. Each day has gotten a little easier, although we still look for our precious Tuxedo cat. I think I hear her sometimes…or that I spot her out of the corner of my eye – lying in her favorite chair in my office.
When my grandmother died two years ago, there was a sense of joy and relief that her struggle had ended…that her longing to be with Jesus in heaven had become her reality. But the very next morning, we sprung into action…arranging her funeral, writing her obituary, answering phone calls and questions, sorting through pictures for her memorial video. There was so much to do initially that the time to sit and “soak it all in” didn’t come right away. In fact, it was about two weeks before it truly hit me that my grandmother was really gone - and I was able to reflect on all that had happened.
Unless you are a pet owner, you may think it in bad taste that I have shared references to the death of my fur baby and my grandmother in the same devotional. Please stick with me!
I tell you all of this to explain how empty, exhausted, and numb the entourage at the cross must have felt after Jesus’ death. Momentarily, they must have sat in silence…somewhat dumbfounded and bewildered. “What do we do now?” they must have wondered. “Where do we go? How will we ever be happy again?” These are normal questions after the loss of any loved one. And the “busyness” that follow – preparation for burial and the actual interment – are cathartic…healing…a way to do something, which is a real human need.
But I must also tell you that the numbness fades…rest comes...the heart swells with memories and good thoughts…and joy returns. Jesus rose from the grave. He lives! The tomb could not hold Him! And because of this, we can move forward in confidence and peace. Because Jesus lives, I know that my grandmother (and yes, my cat Lucy) are safe with Him in heaven. We have to go through this “numb” day/time to get to the “Resurrection Day”…but it is coming!
So wherever you are today…whatever has caused your “numbness” or grieved you…whatever trials you are enduring…whatever heartaches you are experiencing…know that a better day is coming, because Jesus will make it so. Sit and weep if you must…take in what is happening and process it. But call on Jesus to get you past this day and into the light of resurrection in Him! Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, and know that joy truly does come in the morning for all who trust in Him.
Because of Jesus, we are a lot stronger than we think! Sit and talk with Him today…share EVERYTHING…and remember to thank Him for His amazing sacrifices on our behalf. I often tell people who are grieving…”You just have to get through today.” Easter is coming…let Jesus help you get through today - and handle all of your tomorrows.
©2015 Debbie Robus
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All of Jesus' close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.
There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.
Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb. Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
After we buried our beloved cat Lucy four weeks ago, we ambled around the house rather aimlessly. We had done all we could do…there was nothing left except to sit and allow the profundity of what had just happened to soak in. Those were sad, heartbreaking hours. Each day has gotten a little easier, although we still look for our precious Tuxedo cat. I think I hear her sometimes…or that I spot her out of the corner of my eye – lying in her favorite chair in my office.
When my grandmother died two years ago, there was a sense of joy and relief that her struggle had ended…that her longing to be with Jesus in heaven had become her reality. But the very next morning, we sprung into action…arranging her funeral, writing her obituary, answering phone calls and questions, sorting through pictures for her memorial video. There was so much to do initially that the time to sit and “soak it all in” didn’t come right away. In fact, it was about two weeks before it truly hit me that my grandmother was really gone - and I was able to reflect on all that had happened.
Unless you are a pet owner, you may think it in bad taste that I have shared references to the death of my fur baby and my grandmother in the same devotional. Please stick with me!
I tell you all of this to explain how empty, exhausted, and numb the entourage at the cross must have felt after Jesus’ death. Momentarily, they must have sat in silence…somewhat dumbfounded and bewildered. “What do we do now?” they must have wondered. “Where do we go? How will we ever be happy again?” These are normal questions after the loss of any loved one. And the “busyness” that follow – preparation for burial and the actual interment – are cathartic…healing…a way to do something, which is a real human need.
But I must also tell you that the numbness fades…rest comes...the heart swells with memories and good thoughts…and joy returns. Jesus rose from the grave. He lives! The tomb could not hold Him! And because of this, we can move forward in confidence and peace. Because Jesus lives, I know that my grandmother (and yes, my cat Lucy) are safe with Him in heaven. We have to go through this “numb” day/time to get to the “Resurrection Day”…but it is coming!
So wherever you are today…whatever has caused your “numbness” or grieved you…whatever trials you are enduring…whatever heartaches you are experiencing…know that a better day is coming, because Jesus will make it so. Sit and weep if you must…take in what is happening and process it. But call on Jesus to get you past this day and into the light of resurrection in Him! Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, and know that joy truly does come in the morning for all who trust in Him.
Because of Jesus, we are a lot stronger than we think! Sit and talk with Him today…share EVERYTHING…and remember to thank Him for His amazing sacrifices on our behalf. I often tell people who are grieving…”You just have to get through today.” Easter is coming…let Jesus help you get through today - and handle all of your tomorrows.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2014
Matthew 28:1-10
The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord’s angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.
The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn’t here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you.”
The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They went near him, held on to his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid! Tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It almost never fails. When we go to see our nieces and nephews, Timothy and Zola run to us and cling to our legs. They are always delighted to see us…and they hold on as if to say, “I’m never going to let you go!” And honestly, there are several people who I would probably cling to if they came back from the dead…wouldn’t you?! So it’s no surprise that Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ Aunt Mary did this. They had suffered so much…they were so grief stricken…and all of a sudden, an angel had told them that He was alive – and then they SAW Him standing in the roadway. I would imagine that they were struck speechless…there was probably little else they could do but run to Him and fall on His feet! And I am quite certain they never, ever wanted to let go of Him again.
I honestly don’t think we fully grasp the concept of death…until someone is truly gone and does not come back. Even when we sit and hold vigil with a loved one who is critically ill…someone we have been told cannot possibly recover medically…we don’t fully comprehend the finality of death until the very moment they draw their last breath. In my own personal experiences, I have been so happy for the person who was ushered into heaven at that very moment…but the enormity of just how final death truly is has hit me like a ton of bricks.
So when someone says to you, “You’re never ready”…this is what they mean. No one can prepare for that moment when the angels of death come, Heaven’s gates open, and a person’s soul departs from his/her body. And here’s the thing…the only One who will ever return from this is Jesus, which makes His story all the more precious! Jesus is the only “human” the grave cannot hold. Jesus is the only One who is bigger and more powerful than death. And I am here to tell you, Jesus is ALIVE! He is walks among those of us who believe in Him each and every day!
The words of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” are just as powerful for us now…”Don’t be afraid.” Because of Jesus, we have no need to fear. Because of His crucifixion and death on the cross, our sins are forgiven. All we have to do is ask Him to include us…just like the thief who hung beside him…and it will be so forever and ever. Because the tomb is empty, we are assured of our place in Heaven with Christ someday…when God sends His angels for us. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we are promised new life in Him…and an eternity in His presence.
It’s been quite a week…from the jubilation and triumph of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem…to the “Last Supper” and the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane…to Christ’s mutilation, crucifixion, and death…and now His resurrection. And this truly IS the BEST day…we have received the GOOD NEWS that He is Risen!
We will celebrate Jesus today. We will dress up and attend worship services and sing His praises. And then many of us will go right back to our old lives on Monday…if not as soon as Sunday afternoon. Don’t let this happen to you. Don’t forget what happened on “Holy Week” so long ago. Remember every minute of it…savor every single thing Jesus did for you…and for me…and for all who will believe in Him. Thank Him each and every day for the incredible sacrifices He made…for loving us with such abandon. And never – NEVER – forget that He is RISEN…the devil could not tempt Him…the tomb could not hold Him…and we WILL see Him again.
There is an old hymn, written in 1875 by Philip P. Bliss, called “Hallelujah, What a Savior”…or sometimes it is referred to as “Man of Sorrows.” In the hymn, the story of Holy Week is outlined…but the last line of each verse is…”Hallelujah, What a Savior!” Please take time to read this hymn. Think about the words and what they mean to you. Christ is Risen! He will come again for you…and for me. Hallelujah! What a Savior we serve! What a glorious day this is! Have a blessed Easter!
The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord’s angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.
The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn’t here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you.”
The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They went near him, held on to his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid! Tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It almost never fails. When we go to see our nieces and nephews, Timothy and Zola run to us and cling to our legs. They are always delighted to see us…and they hold on as if to say, “I’m never going to let you go!” And honestly, there are several people who I would probably cling to if they came back from the dead…wouldn’t you?! So it’s no surprise that Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ Aunt Mary did this. They had suffered so much…they were so grief stricken…and all of a sudden, an angel had told them that He was alive – and then they SAW Him standing in the roadway. I would imagine that they were struck speechless…there was probably little else they could do but run to Him and fall on His feet! And I am quite certain they never, ever wanted to let go of Him again.
I honestly don’t think we fully grasp the concept of death…until someone is truly gone and does not come back. Even when we sit and hold vigil with a loved one who is critically ill…someone we have been told cannot possibly recover medically…we don’t fully comprehend the finality of death until the very moment they draw their last breath. In my own personal experiences, I have been so happy for the person who was ushered into heaven at that very moment…but the enormity of just how final death truly is has hit me like a ton of bricks.
So when someone says to you, “You’re never ready”…this is what they mean. No one can prepare for that moment when the angels of death come, Heaven’s gates open, and a person’s soul departs from his/her body. And here’s the thing…the only One who will ever return from this is Jesus, which makes His story all the more precious! Jesus is the only “human” the grave cannot hold. Jesus is the only One who is bigger and more powerful than death. And I am here to tell you, Jesus is ALIVE! He is walks among those of us who believe in Him each and every day!
The words of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” are just as powerful for us now…”Don’t be afraid.” Because of Jesus, we have no need to fear. Because of His crucifixion and death on the cross, our sins are forgiven. All we have to do is ask Him to include us…just like the thief who hung beside him…and it will be so forever and ever. Because the tomb is empty, we are assured of our place in Heaven with Christ someday…when God sends His angels for us. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we are promised new life in Him…and an eternity in His presence.
It’s been quite a week…from the jubilation and triumph of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem…to the “Last Supper” and the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane…to Christ’s mutilation, crucifixion, and death…and now His resurrection. And this truly IS the BEST day…we have received the GOOD NEWS that He is Risen!
We will celebrate Jesus today. We will dress up and attend worship services and sing His praises. And then many of us will go right back to our old lives on Monday…if not as soon as Sunday afternoon. Don’t let this happen to you. Don’t forget what happened on “Holy Week” so long ago. Remember every minute of it…savor every single thing Jesus did for you…and for me…and for all who will believe in Him. Thank Him each and every day for the incredible sacrifices He made…for loving us with such abandon. And never – NEVER – forget that He is RISEN…the devil could not tempt Him…the tomb could not hold Him…and we WILL see Him again.
There is an old hymn, written in 1875 by Philip P. Bliss, called “Hallelujah, What a Savior”…or sometimes it is referred to as “Man of Sorrows.” In the hymn, the story of Holy Week is outlined…but the last line of each verse is…”Hallelujah, What a Savior!” Please take time to read this hymn. Think about the words and what they mean to you. Christ is Risen! He will come again for you…and for me. Hallelujah! What a Savior we serve! What a glorious day this is! Have a blessed Easter!
©2014 Debbie RobusHallelujah! What a Savior!
Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
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