From Darkness To Light; Three Days Of Redemption
Saturday, April 6
Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Devoción
In Matthew 12:40, Jesus makes a profound statement about his impending death and resurrection, drawing a parallel between his own destiny and the experience of Jonah. Jonah's story is well-known: God called him to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, but Jonah fled and found himself swallowed by a great fish. He spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish before being spit out onto dry land.
Yet, Jesus reveals something deeper here than a mere comparison of time frames. He speaks of his own impending death and resurrection, foreshadowing the pivotal event that would define the course of human history. Jesus, like Jonah, would spend three days and three nights in a place of darkness before emerging into new life.
As we reflect on this passage, we're reminded of several profound truths:
- The Certainty of Christ's Death and Resurrection: Jesus spoke of his death and resurrection with certainty. He knew what lay ahead of him, yet he willingly embraced the cross for the sake of humanity's redemption.
- The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice: Jesus didn't just die; He descended into the depths of the earth. His sacrifice wasn't merely physical; it was spiritual. He bore the weight of sin and endured separation from the Father on our behalf. In those three days and three nights, he wrestled with the forces of darkness and emerged victorious, securing our salvation.
- The Hope of Resurrection: Just as Jonah emerged from the belly of the fish, so too did Jesus emerge from the grave. His resurrection is the ultimate sign of hope for all who believe in him. It assures us that death has been defeated, and eternal life awaits those who are in Christ.
- The Call to Repentance: Like Jonah, Jesus calls us to repentance. He beckons us to turn away from sin and embrace the abundant life he offers. His death and resurrection provide the pathway to forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
As we meditate on Matthew 12:40, may we be reminded of the depth of Christ's love and the power of his resurrection.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Thank You for the historical certainty of Jesus' death and resurrection. Thank You that I have the record of Scripture and the living testimony of so many believers. Thank You for the depth of Jesus' sacrifice – bearing my sin and shame – even to the point of being forsaken by the Father. Thank You for the hope of resurrection that I have in Jesus. Thank You that death has been defeated and that I am invited to share in the victory. Thank You for Your call to repentance and the clear articulation of that call both in Scripture and in the preaching. I confess I often fall short of realizing the full potential of what Jesus accomplished. Help me be complete in my repentance and in laying hold of all of that Jesus accomplished on my behalf. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Have you come to grips with Jesus’ claim to be the only way, the truth itself, and the source of life? Have you resolved whether you believe that Jesus and the Father are one? That Jesus is the I AM? Be honest, and if you are not sure, what steps do you need to take toward finding out?
Recursos:
- If you have ever beaten yourself up because of failures you’ve made, watch, “Your Failure is not Final”, and be motivated to get past that mistake and move on in your relationship with the Lord just as the people of Nineveh did.
- Read 2 Chronicles 7:14, and learn what you need to do in order to have God’s forgiveness and healing over all that is yours.