He Shall Be Called - Day 22

Life and Death Prophecy: The Messiah would be resurrected from the dead

Scripture: Read the prophecy – Psalm 16:10; Psalm 49:15
Read the fulfillment – Mark 16:6 – 7

Everyone likes stories that have a happy ending. To this point, the life of our Lord had been very difficult. An un-ceremonial birth in a manger, constant persecution during His ministry from the powerful and connected, torture and a terrible execution on a cross. Not many bright spots in a life of humility, service and poverty. The Messiah’s story of redemption is ready to take a positive turn. On the morning of the third day in the grave, God the Father would resurrect the Son and nothing would ever be the same again.

Victory over death is the ultimate fulfillment of a specific prophecy. No way to fake a resurrection from the dead. Skeptics won’t be able to explain that away with feeble attempts to minimize what the Messiah had accom- plished. When sin entered the world it brought with it the punishment of a death sentence. The resurrection of our Lord brought victory over death to the human race. God said He was willing to accept the sacrifice of Jesus as payment for sin. By raising Jesus from the dead God proved that He had power over death and that mankind no longer had to fear death.

Q1. God tells us that if we have said Yes to Jesus, He no longer looks at our sins. He only sees the righteousness of Jesus which has been imputed to us. What does the word imputed mean and what is the significance for you?

Q2. Every human is an eternal being. We will all live somewhere for eterni- ty. What can you say to a friend who denies the existence of eternity and feels that life on earth is all there is?

Q3. No other religion in the world claims to follow someone raised from the dead. The founders of every other religion, cult, or sect are all dead or headed toward death. What does it mean to you to be able to know you follow a risen Savior?

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
Death cannot keep his Prey, Jesus, my Savior; He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord!

PRAYER FOCUS: Lord Jesus, Your resurrection makes all the difference for me. My death on earth means I just change my address. I no longer have to fear death – it has lost its power over me. Help me to convey the joy that is mine because You conquered death for me. Help me share the gospel with friends and family so no one I love ever has taste the sting of death.