Scripture Verses
Matthew 27:50-54 (NIV)
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
Devotion
What would it take in today’s world to recognize the Son of God if He paid us a visit? Too often we are so consumed by our own thoughts and agendas that we forget that God pays us a visit all day long. During the good times it’s easy to sense God’s presence and relish in His blessings. But for most of us, it’s the difficult times that are hard to accept. We ask ourselves, “Lord, where are you in all this?”, or we can’t begin to imagine what good will come of our undesirable situation. It’s at these times that we must remember that God is always with us and, yes, He places us where we need to be to glorify Him.
Imagine for a moment what it must have been like to experience what is recorded in Matthew 27 verses 50-54. Envision Jesus dying on the cross and giving up his spirit; the earth shaking and rocks splitting; the temple curtain ripped in two; tombs broken open and holy people raised to life. This alone is hard to wrap our minds around let alone the awesome truth and promises that God reveals through these passages.
The next time you are feeling distant from God remember that Jesus died on the cross to free you from your sins and offer you a spirit-filled life (He gave up his spirit for you!). Know that the separation between God and man was forever removed (the curtain torn in two) and that God is with you in your daily circumstances. Rejoice in the fact that the prophesies were fulfilled (surely He was the Son of God) and that the moment you received Christ as your Savior you were given the promise of eternal life (tombs broken open and holy people raised to life).
Let us not wait for an earthquake to be moved by the love, spirit and redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Indeed, He is with us!
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving of your Son so that we may be filled with your holy spirit and have eternal life with you. Help us to experience your daily presence and live our lives in a way that glorifies you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
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