As a boy, I remember trying to catch tadpoles in a slimy creek. I could corral a few, but my hands had become too slippery to hold them in my grip. Jesus was too powerful for Satan to hold him in his slimy hands of death. The evil one intended Jesus' crucifixion for destruction, but God used it and Jesus' resurrection for our salvation (
Romans 5:9;
1 Peter 3:21). Jesus is the Son of God in power! He defeated death (
Romans 1:4;
2 Timothy 1:9-10) and the powers of hell (
Matthew 16:18;
1 Peter 3:18-22). When our lives are joined to Jesus in baptism through faith in God's power to raise him from the dead (
Colossians 2:12-13), we are joined with Jesus permanently (
Romans 8:32-39). We will share in his resurrected glory (
Colossians 3:1-4). Satan could not hold him, and death could not keep him. Because of Jesus, neither can death hold us (
Romans 8:11;
1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
O Father, death still is a hurtful and grievous reality in our broken world. I am not sure how I could have endured some of the losses I have faced without my assured hope in Jesus' resurrection. I believe that the Son will return in glory and usher me, and all I love in Jesus, into his glory. Thank you for this future that breaks the hold of death over me. Thank you for this Good News. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice and victory. Amen.
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