Defeated

Before the Word came to us in Jesus, we were dead, lost, surrounded by darkness and apart from God.  But the Word of God came to us in the flesh, taught us, corrected us, was given as a sacrifice, and shed blood that was spotless. He paid for us with the blood of the sinless Word. He gave us life so that we would no longer be slaves to the sins that trap us in separation from God.  

Jesus died after being beaten, whipped, and hung on a Cross surrounded by common criminals. To the Sanhedrin and the political parties of the day this was a victory because they killed who they perceived as a revolutionary leader, a blasphemer, a problem against the status quo. They saw this as a removal of someone who would have caused their world to change. However, the true followers of Christ, the Disciples and the many who were changed by Christ, felt defeated, lost, without the hope and joy while in the presence of the Word.

According to Scripture, just before the last breath released from the body, the veil in the temple was torn in two, there was a great earthquake and storm that was the worst deluge on record for that time. The Roman soldier pierced His body, blood and water spilt on the ground. Nature was transformed and it cried in victory, for the Word had been restored. Still, humanity crumbled because they did not understand.

The devil thought he had won. He was victorious in killing God’s Son, the flesh, but in truth he released the Word and the Holy Spirit from the mortal shell. Jesus battled with Satan, broke his hold on us, and unlocked the gates.  Meanwhile in the mortal world……..

The Disciples went into hiding and practically ignored those who wished to hear of Jesus’ teachings. Peter was not being the rock because he feared being caught and killed. It was Shabbat so they remained still and fasted hoping and waiting to see what would happen.  

How often we feel defeated when things fall apart after everything going so well. Have you ever felt that way? Just when the silver lining looked like it was going to connect to itself, something blocks it and throws everything off. That is kind of what was happening to many who did not fully understand. Without God, the Word, belief in the Saving Blood and the Holy Spirit guiding us, we are lost

The Disciples hid out of fear of death but they still prayed and sang. Jesus warned them of the occurrences. He even told them to continue the work. What did they do? Hid and only comforted each other. Some would choose to hide elsewhere and some even considered going back to Galilee and fishing. But they had little time to move and had to do so under the cover of darkness while avoiding the Roman guards. Almost an impossible task.

There have been books and movies made which included artistic interpretation of these hours after the burial of our Lord and Savior so I will not go into great detail. The only thing I know is that they felt defeated. The Disciples probably argued among themselves to figure out what to do. They felt alone even with their spiritual (and some blood related) brothers and sisters surrounding them.

This time-frame of the three days had to be the longest 48-72 hours of their lives. Let’s reflect today on when we felt lost. Let us also reflect on when we found the empty part of our hearts that once were filled with the world and darkness, suddenly filled with the Word and the Holy Spirit as we are meant to be.

Brothers and Sisters, time is coming to a close. The signs are there but do not let the masses of prophesy fool you. Watch the signs for yourself and do not fall into deception. Those that keep saying the rapture is coming, heed the warning but listen with discernment. Remember, God will not reveal the Son until the appointed time which is known only to Him. Yes He left signs in the heavens but He can confuse them. Do not pray for Jesus to come quickly, pray that others turn to Him before it is too late. My hope is that we can spread His Word to the world so loud that the rocks and trees join us in singing His praises.

Love and Blessings,

 Rob, Servant of God