Luke 24:5-8, “‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” And they remembered His Words.’”
While the women searched for Jesus’ body to prepare it for burial, they were asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Although the women were expressing reverence in following the ritual of preparing the body of Jesus, they forgot a fundamental truth He had spoken – that He would rise again. Words that would have anchored their faith and prevented them from looking for the living God among the dead.
In the same way, many today follow religious rituals and routines thinking they are seeking Jesus, yet without faith because they have not taken God’s Word to heart. Being a Christian is not about what you do – the routines, rituals, religious practices without faith – it’s about what Christ has done by His sacrifice on the cross. All we have to do is to believe and act on His Word! What does His Word say? 1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us that because Jesus overcame, we overcome. Romans 8:37 tells us that we are more than conquerors because of the One who conquered death for us on the cross.
We should not fall into the trap of elevating the devil’s influence by approaching him from the position of battle. Instead, approach it from a place of victory because of what Christ did for us on the cross. That victory is for you – it is not from you. There is no amount of mental, physical or emotional strength that can defeat the powers of darkness. So, begin to celebrate the risen Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the freedom He bought and brought us. Rather than be cross about your situation, look to the cross where the price was paid for your freedom, your redemption and your deliverance.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help me never forget that the victory obtained through Christ Jesus is a past tense victory. Therefore, I can walk in the assurance that Your victory gives me victory as I act faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.