Ages ago, in the Garden of Eden, Satan, through the snake, tempted Eve, and she and Adam yielded and fell. That caused a host of demonic beings, which hovered over the atmospheric heavens, to take the opportunity to also flood the earth with their presence. From that time forth, earth and all of creation lies under a canopy of darkness. We don’t see it all at once because Jesus, the Light of the World, came to shed His Light on us.
Today, darkness looms everywhere. Hordes of demons tread this earth while billions more remain in everlasting chains under darkness awaiting their judgment (Jude 1:8). Millions of people worship this darkness, while many who don’t, still walk in darkness; alienated from His Light.
During what we know as Holy Week, Satan’s demonic hosts and principalities gathered for their victorious blow to God. They made sure to be present at the events scheduled. The religious leaders, bent on rejecting whom they viewed as a false Messiah, became game for the powers of darkness to reign in their affairs. Their zealousness for “righteousness” blinded them from seeing God in their midst as Jesus, the true Messiah.
Satan and his ruling demons were “kept in the dark” of God’s plans. While that darkness cheered for the torturing, disfiguring, and crucifixion of Christ, God knew what it would all mean. God made sure Satan walked right into His trap. Satan probably danced gleefully, maybe the Cha-Cha-Cha, as each spike was driven into Jesus’ body. He couldn’t believe it was finally happening! He had tried unsuccessfully many times before, but now it was finally being fulfilled.
As Satan’s hellish hosts celebrated that first and second day, waltzing and boogying, they probably noticed the shock, disbelief, and horror on the faces of everyone around; particularly, Jesus’ followers, friends, and family. However, the third day took an unexpected turn…No one EVER had been tortured, nailed, speared through, dead for three days, and then able to take their own life back conquering Death and returned to life as if nothing ever transpired! That is made clear right here:
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father” (John 10:18NKJV).
Jesus has power over death! Suddenly, the tomb was empty and Jesus had resurrected! Jesus descended to the center of the earth and made a spectacle of Satan and his demons! That’s right, Jesus showed up at Satan’s doorsteps and probably said, “You were saying?”
Unlike Lazarus who died naturally, was brought back to life, but eventually died again, Jesus CONTINUES to live forevermore!
The world got a glimpse of what goodness over darkness looks like. Jesus set captivity free! He’s broken off every chain of darkness over us! If you’re bound by sin, give your life to God today! Walking in darkness? Clouds and shadows loom above you? The One who rides the clouds will deliver you! The shadow of the cross will help set you free.
Easter is new life. It’s the celebration of light over darkness through Jesus over Satan. He has rolled back the darkness in our lives. You can be religious about it; get goosebumps, wipe a tear or two, try to get close to Him and continue life as “normal.” Or you can cry out to Him, whether quietly, in desperation, or exasperation: “SAVE ME JESUS!” That’s all it takes! Angels are standing by!
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8).
Welcome to the Light!
God Bless!
Sam
*By the way, disregard the ridiculous and unimportant debates on “Who really killed Jesus?” Historically, two groups of people were present, Jews and Romans. But neither group killed Him. Why? Because we all did! His love for us drove Him to the cross for our sins.