Sixth Day of Lent

Sixth Day of Lent

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

. . . Because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. Psalm 16:10

I have a very difficult time – not all the time, but sometimes – looking at a Scripture like the one above and wondering how the disciples could have missed the Psalm’s message. The Jews were much more familiar with the Psalms than most Christians today, and they would have heard – perhaps memorized – this verse. So how could they have missed the message?

Easily! If we knew that there had never been a resurrection, we would have trouble comprehending a message of resurrection. Solomon had said, It is appointed once for man to die; he said nothing about resurrection. Hebrews tells us that Abraham expected if he took Isaac’s life, the Lord would raise him up, but the Old Testament historical text says nothing about God’s resurrection of Isaac. Besides, even when God did restore life to someone (i.e. Lazarus), he had to die again at some point.

It is really easier for us to understand this verse than it was for those in the crowds who followed Jesus. His Holy One will not see decay. We understand that to mean he will be resurrected!

But Jesus understood! He faced that awful punishment for our sins – the brutal beating and the crucifixion – with the full knowledge that God had a wonderful plan that would change the world! He would live again, never to die!

And that is exactly what he has promised us! One of our hymns says, “because he lives, I too, shall live!”

Incredible Easter message!

Prayer: Father, thank you for the eternal quality of life you have given to us who believe. Amen.

And He Set His Face toward Jerusalem. . . .

A Lenten Devotional Guide
prepared for Homosassa United Methodist Church, Spring 2007,
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator