Crucifixion is no picnic. You essentially suffocate unless there are other factors. While Jesus was on the cross he took on all of mankind's sin, sickness and the full curse of the Law. He would pay the price that nobody else could pay.
Even during his last moments, his thoughts were on helping people - forgiving his tormentors, providing for his mother and assuring the repentant thief beside him.
Darkness covered the land and the earth shook. The veil of the temple was ripped from the top to the bottom. It was not needed anymore. Humans would now be God's Temple. Even to the jaded Centurion who witnessed Jesus' death, it was obvious that Jesus was a righteous man wrongly crucified.
His followers placed his body in a tomb. Remembering his many prophecies, the Jewish leaders insisted on placing guards and sealing the tomb. That would not matter.
For the next two days, Jesus endured the full penalty for mankind. He had died physically, but just as there were two sacrifices (lamb and scapegoat), Jesus had to endure the spiritual separation from God for two nights and then destroy the power of the enemy.
The morning of the third day, the guards were startled to see the power of God roll away the stone and Jesus leave the tomb. He appeared to his followers for several days - teaching and explaining what his resurrection really meant. On the road to Emmaus, he took two followers through the Bible to show them how he had fulfilled all the promises and prophecies.
He finally ascended to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. He has delegated his power and authority to all who believe in him and waits to return and gather his followers.
This was not just a good man. He was either the Son of God as he claimed or a loon. He has given you his Word. You can either accept the message or reject it. Remember, hell was not created for humans. It was created for Satan and the rebellious angels. God never intends for any human to enter hell - unless they choose to go there by rejecting His Son.
Sometimes I get excited about what is happening in the world or in Washington. Its nice to remember that God is in control. He is my source and my provider. As a believer, I am called to pray for our leadership and cast my vote as a seed - expecting a good harvest. The only way things will really change is by Christians everywhere to exercise their faith and get Godly people into office - people with integrity, honor and filled with God's wisdom.
This nation was founded by men and women like that. And its time they return to power.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2 NIV
If you want to learn more about the Easter story, you can click here for a multitude of Easter sources for children and adults.
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