Tuesday, April 4
Devotional written by Pastor Sarah Czerwinski, Associate Pastor to Young Adults
SATURDAY: THE DISAPPOINTMENT
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” “So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
Matthew 27:62-66
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When we consider the voices we allow ourselves to listen to, they biblically fall into the world, God’s Word, our flesh, and the Enemy. The most trustworthy source of Truth is God’s voice speaking to His people through His Word. Unfortunately, His voice often competes with outside forces, our sinful nature, and the Enemy’s voice. The minute we submit our lives to Christ, we choose to live not according to those competitors but to every Word prompted by the Bible or Spirit of God.
To those not living in Truth, Jesus was considered a “deceiver,” and His death was evidence of His false teaching. The religious elite and Roman officials at the time were threatened by and in denial of Jesus’ prophecies. What if He really was king? That would change everything, including their authority over the people. They would have to submit to a new way of living that took themselves off the throne of their lives and that of others. So, they doubled down on Jesus’ tomb, ensuring there was no human way for His promises to be fulfilled. It would have to be a supernatural intervention for anyone to believe His Word.
When disappointed, it becomes easier for me to tune into voices outside God’s Word. I can put my hope in the power or authority of people or opportunities, even if they take me away from trust in Jesus.
Reflections: Consider the areas where you are feeling discouraged. What voices are informing your discouragement? Look to the Word of God, find a scripture to replace that voice, and pray it over yourself or your situation.
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