How long could you go without hearing from a loved one? If you’re anything like me, it’s probably not for long. Even the thought of such a separation makes my heart sink. I was taken aback by a lyric in Lacey Sturm’s latest song, “Mercy Tree”, which I’d like to share with you: “Three days silent in the ground, this body born for heaven’s crown”. The song is about Calvary– the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. This lyric pertains to the time in between Christ giving up His spirit when He breathed His last upon the cross (Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John 19:30) and Christ rising again when He left the grave empty, securing life (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).
three days silent
Oh, how the hearts of those who loved Jesus Christ must have sunk in the d e s p e r a t i o n o f e n d u r i n g t h a t s i l e n c e. I had never deeply pondered what that must have been like before…until now. It must have been THE longest three days ever! What a mix of emotions His loved ones must have experienced! Sadness. Anguish. Heartache. Anticipation. Yearning. Fear. Doubt.
After the Sabbath past, the women among Jesus’ disciples had prepared spices to bring to the grave, intending to anoint the lifeless body of Christ. However, Christ was not lifeless but rather the absolute opposite! They approached the grave and “[t]he angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you” (Matthew 28:5–7, NASB95). Just as He said. You see, Jesus knew that those three days of silence were coming before they came: “Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day” (Matthew 16:21, NASB95). He promised that the silence would not last! And that is good news indeed!
Astonishment! Hope! Joy! Relief! Delight! Peace! Comfort! Isn’t that what you’d experience in reuniting with a loved one after being apart? Well, reuniting with Jesus Christ is all that magnified an infinite number of times! How do I know? I’m glad you asked…
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“On a hill called Calvary, stands an endless mercy tree, every broken weary soul , find your rest and be made whole” (Mercy Tree, Lacey Sturm).
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Christ was crucified and resurrected for you and me! Oh, what a truly bright and glorious day! Christ conquered death and secured life for those who believe in Him! This is the reason He came, born of a virgin as it is written, that you and I would never have to be apart from Him! It was His good pleasure to reconcile us to Himself and give us eternal hope through His sacrifice, the shedding of His blood, on our behalf (Colossians 1:19-23)! Praise Him for the mercy tree!
Reconciled To Christ, Never To Be Apart From Him!
Victoria
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