Day 7

Silence on Earth,
Thunder in the Spiritual Realm

READING:
Ephesians 4:8-10 and 1 Peter 3:18-20

The stunning series of events of the previous seven days left Jesus followers in shock on the morning after the crucifixion. One moment, Jesus was barely able to get into Jerusalem through an adoring crowd; the next moment the crowd shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

Today, we look back through the resurrection and see a victory won through the incredible sacrifice of the Savior. The friends of Jesus were left in tortuous grief and heavenly silence after the crucifixion. However, sometimes what you can’t see is much more significant than what you can.

The Bible declares that Jesus visited Sheol or Hades (not hell) and set free the righteous spirits awaiting the finishing work of the Savior (see today’s Scripture reading). Hell’s headlines, which alleged victory on Friday, were soon retracted as Jesus stepped into the spiritual realm and made it clear that even death had no hold on the Righteous One.

It’s when you can’t see things changing, or hear God’s voice, or even feel His conscious presence, that the greatest victories may be in the works. Never fear in the dark, what is accomplished in the light.

It may be Friday, and it might even be Saturday...but have no fear, Sunday is coming!