HOLY WEEK

Saturday, April 3, 2010

HOLY SATURDAY

John 19:41,42

Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, in which was never man yet laid. There laid they JESUS, therefore, because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulcher was near at hand.

I am drawn to the fact that the sepulcher where JESUS was "put to rest" was in a garden. The Gospel writers are very specific about this fact, why? I looked into the significant gardens in the life of the world and found many: the garden of Eden; references to the Vineyard; Song of Songs has many garden references; the Garden of Gethsemane; the garden of the Sepulcher. I am sure you can think of more.

The Garden speaks to me of new life. It is a place of growth, "spring time", flowers, green, and birth. Could this be a key to the spiritual meaning of why JESUS was laid in a sepulcher in the garden?

I believe that all of the redemption of the earth had been accomplished by the LORD JESUS laying down His life as a sacrifice, for the sin of the world. His Blood was the atonement for the world which He loved. NOW, IN THE GARDEN, IS THE FIRST DAY OF NEW LIFE.

JESUS, the Word of GOD, is the seed of the new creation. Old things are past away and behold, all thing are now new. JESUS goes and gathers all those who are waiting Redemption in the "holding place" in the dark world; He leads them out of the waiting place, a great train of faithful people, waiting the promise and new life. JESUS has burst the prison doors open and the faithful dead will forever be with Him. Death is swallowed up in victory!

WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!

JESUS, OUR REDEEMER, IS ALIVE!