Alive In The Grave by Cookie Puno

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”

1 Peter 3:18

The “grave” is defined as a place of burial for a dead body, typically a hole dug in the ground and marked by a stone or mound. In Jesus’ day, the grave looked like a cave with a stone covering the entrance.

“The grave” is also used as an allusive term for death. Jesus clearly experienced death just like all of us will. This is what we remember during Black Saturday. It was a day when Jesus was dead. Yet, even in His death, He still ministers to us. Let us learn three things that we can celebrate even at the time of “Jesus’ death.”

1. There is GLORY in the grave

Jesus’ body may have been dead but his spirit was very much alive! The grave is a place of death, darkness, and destruction. It is a place of decay and utter powerlessness. It is lifeless. And yet, if our lives are in Christ, even when in “grave moments,” we will not decay nor be destroyed. We are still alive!

Jesus was also in the grave. And yet, even before resurrecting, He was already alive in the spirit. You don’t have to fear the “grave moments” in life. In Christ, even in the grave, you can experience glory. We can be growing even in the grave, and that is what makes it glorious!

2. There is GOOD NEWS in the grave

The grave was a sign of something else that died that day. The old covenant no longer binds our lives. Jesus has ushered in the new covenant – a covenant for all. With His death, Jesus also ended the old way of relating to God and brought a new and living way. We praise God because Jesus made a new way.

3. There are GREAT BEGINNINGS in the grave

In the same way, your grave moments can also be a sign of a great beginning from Christ! He is the one who ushers in new things. He is the one who ushers in new seasons. In Christ, every ending is a new beginning. Don’t be afraid of the grave because it is only a sign of a better, brighter tomorrow in Him!

On Black Saturday, we mourn with those who mourn, but we are a people who know lasting joy comes in the morning!

Dearest Jesus,

Thank you for being alive in the grave 2,000 years ago. I don’t have to be afraid of the “grave moments” in my life. There is glory, good news, and great beginnings for me to look forward to. Mourning, disappointment, and pain will not last forever. My time in the “grave” is temporary, but my victory in you shall be forever! Thank you, Jesus! You deserve all the praise and glory.

In Your Name, I pray. Amen.