It Is Finished
Let’s Get Ready!
Written By: Sheree O’Pry
Matthew 27:65-66 and Matthew 28:2-4 NASB
65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
Our Heavenly Father, bless the reading of your word and the precious reader of it. Amen.
We are building up to the big day! Easter, pretty clothes, easter egg hunting, family dinners and most of all, Worship. Are our hearts ready?
Pontius Pilate, governor of Judaea who presided over the trial of Jesus and ending with his orders to crucify him. What kind of Roman ruler was he? He was known as a man who promoted the Roman religion; the worship of gods and emperors. He provoked the Jews and Samaritans to riot. Later he stood trial for cruelty and oppression. History says he took his own life on the orders of another emperor around 36 AD.
This paints a different picture of the Pilate I’ve always read about in scripture. John 19:4 NASB …” Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” This is the same man that ordered Jesus beaten and scourged so badly He was unrecognizable! (My heart is crying). Why do you think Pilate ordered the stone secured on Jesus’s tomb and then set guards to watch? Scripture in Matthew 27:63-64 tells us (paraphrased) that they were all scared that the body of Jesus would be taken by His followers to fulfill Jesus’ telling all the people that on the third day He would rise from the dead. They believed this would make the situation worse with his followers than it already was.
I think Pilate was not his own thinker. This is very consistent with what we call peer pressure today. Wow, it is not a new thing! It is very indicative of his demise. Keep looking at your heart. Is it ready yet for the celebration of life, His and yours and mine on Easter Sunday?
Do you fall under prey to peer pressure? Look deep.
It’s here! The third day is here (now my heart is rejoicing) and the guards have seen the Risen Savior! He is so indescribably brilliant in His appearance that it scared the guards and sent them into shock. Can you even imagine how the beautiful Trinity will look to us when we see them face to face in Heaven? The brightest thing I’ve ever seen in my life is when I was just a child trying to look at the sun. It was so bright my eyes hurt and watered excessively. I can’t believe I didn’t do any damage. The brilliance of the Trinity will be exponentially brighter without pain to our eyes. This takes my breath away…I AM READY!
Oh, gracious LORD, how I am so ready, not only to celebrate that you have risen from the grave but, to be In your presence. I lay myself at your feet everyday of my life in awe of your majesty. Help us to realize the sacrifice of your Son by checking ourselves daily. Forgive us when we fail you. You loved even Pontius Pilate who hurt you and who found no fault but didn’t take a stand. Jesus Himself said it had to come to pass. Help us in our walk to not draw conclusions or cast our own discipline on other people. It is your responsibility alone. Cleanse me so that I might stay ready!! Amen.
