"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.' "
-Matthew 28: 5-6

The Third Day

Think for a moment about the crucifixion of Jesus. For his followers who didn't understand all that was happening, it had to be the darkest of moments. Their leader, their inspiration, the one in which they had placed their faith and hope, was dead. Imagine what it must have been like in the days that followed Jesus' death. Days of deep sorrow, despair, a time where it must have seemed that evil and darkness had won out over goodness and light. But praise be to God that the story doesn't end there! For on the third day the stone was rolled away! Read Matthew 28: 5-6 above and Mark 16: 4-6 below.

There are times in all of our lives where darkness surrounds us and seems to have won. But...on the third day He arose again! Jesus had said this was going to happen but the disciples and His followers just didn't 'get it.' They couldn't comprehend how great a miracle the resurrection was going to be! With His resurrection, darkness, death, and despair were replaced with light, life, and eternal hope. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." (Hebrews 6: 19) It is that hope that makes us as believers able to handle the ups and downs of this world. It is that hope that allows us to persevere..."And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5: 2-5)

This hope is what we need to pass on to others. There are many who are in the 'first or second day.' They feel their life is surrounded by darkness, by hopelessness. They feel that they cannot turn to God because they are not worthy or deserving. Well, they are right about that, for none of us are deserving, but God is bigger than that! "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 6-8) Praise the Lord! I know that many are in times of darkness. Perhaps you are too. But always remember that when things seem to be at their worst, their lowest, Hope is often just a day away! For on the third day He arose again! Amen!

Take a moment and encourage someone this week.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.' "
-Mark 16: 4-6

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