God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. Acts 2.24
How often do you take time to reflect on the fact that we serve a risen Savior? I read this verse the other day during a busy season of life. Which as a side note, happens to be most of life these days. And yes, Nataly and I were aware of this when God blessed us with a big family. But there are days and seasons that are busier than others. Anyway, this short verse in Acts 2, as Peter preaches on the day of Pentecost, greatly encouraged me.
I was distracted by different things going on and different responsibilities that needed to be taken care of and was just a little down. Then the Spirit encouraged me with the simple and awesome truth of this verse. Jesus died at the hands of sinful men to pay for my sins and yours. He was crucified and buried. Jesus, who had shown many mighty works to prove He was sent by God, was rejected and killed. Yet, God raised Him up! Jesus is alive. This is the hope of the Gospel and the promise of salvation. Peter stated that God loosed Jesus from the pangs of death. This means that God dissolved, destroyed, and freed Jesus from the pain and suffering of death.
It was not possible for Jesus to be held by death. How amazing and comforting it is to know that Jesus could not be held by death. Jesus conquered the grave and defeated death. It has no grip on Him. It is impossible for death to triumph over Jesus.
What makes this verse even more amazing is that in context Peter had just told his audience that they had murdered Jesus. Even though many of them had seen Jesus perform might miracles, they still went along with the crucifixion. Thank God for His mercy and love. Thank God for His power and might. Despite our worst sins, Jesus lives! No matter what is going on in our lives we can rest in this hope. There is forgiveness through Christ.
Not only is this our hope; it is also our message. Sometimes we are overwhelmed at how lost and contrary to God our society has become. However, instead of running away or hiding, may we lovingly and boldly share this message of the Gospel. Jesus died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and rose again to offer salvation from sin and death. Our goal is not to condemn those we don’t agree with but to see them come to know the hope of eternal life.
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