July 21, 2020

July 21

Running with Jesus

Luke 23:52-53 ”This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.  and he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.”

     Death, our final enemy and destination for all mankind was faced by our beloved Christ.  He who knew no sin went through exactly what we would have to go through. Jesus body was taken down and wrapped in grave clothes and placed in the tomb.   Usually there was a shelf they were placed upon and after the body discomposed the bones were placed in a container with other members. There was no one in this grave but Jesus.  Jesus was not alive.  He was held and touched and we all know that you know when someone is no longer alive. I do hair and makeup for deceased loved ones and I can tell you that you can know when the spirit has departed the body.  One of the most difficult things in life is death.  The separation is always the hardest part.  Death is our last enemy.  Death will come and we always say everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die.  Then the hard part is not we fear death but that we just do not know how we will die. 

     As Christians we know that death is just the beginning for us.  Jesus who went through death -Himself will not abandon us, He will be right there when our time comes with His arms outstretched to welcome us home.  For us we will be going home where we belong.

     Our concern is not for where we as Christians will go but for those who have never received the one who died to overcome our last enemy providing entry into heaven.  Our prayer is that if you have not placed your faith in Jesus, who is the over comer, you will.

Father, as we look into Your tomb we can know that You understand death because You went through everything we will ever have to go through and You understand separation and all that goes with it.  Lord, please help all that are dealing with this enemy today.  Bring comfort for them and their families.  You never leave us alone and You understand. 

Come early in the morning! “Why seek you the living among the dead?”Oh meet me there it will be a great day!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015