HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL DAY SEVEN: HIDDEN SATURDAY
one church: columbus, ohio- Easter sunday
TO HELL AND BACK
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.
In the words of the great theologian Elvis Presley, on Saturday there was a whole lotta shakin’ goin on. The disciples were shaking for fear of being visited by the Roman Government, and their faith was shaken because the death of Jesus was now a reality. On Saturday, all over the city of Jerusalem the aftermath of an earthquake and the aftershocks that had occurred the day before were visible, ( Matt. 27:51). But there was a greater shaking going on in Hell on Saturday. By Saturday, Satan knew that Jesus' death was only temporary.
There are some theologians who believe that on Saturday Jesus paid Hell a visit. He took the keys of death and took back the authority of Satan who used these keys as the prince and power of the air. Now Satan and his army of demonic powers tremble with fear and at the Name of Jesus.
One of Satan’s tools that is used against God’s people is fear. 1 John 4:18 says fear brings a tormenting presence but it is also true, God has not given His Children a spirit of fear, but God’s love overpowers it. Yes, there are times when we experience those earth shattering moments and fears rise up. Jesus modeled in Luke 4 during His wilderness experience how to use God’s word as our defense against the accusing voice of Satan. If you find yourself hiding behind the doors of fear, remember Jesus has given us His keys of authority to resist the lying voice of the evil one with the truth of God’s word. Jesus went to hell and back to give you His keys, today is a good day to use the key of faith and unlock the door of fear.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
What fear do I need to target for prayer in my life? What passages of Scripture speak to the area(s) that the enemy uses to keep me in bondage to the unknown? Who can I ask to be a partner in prayer with me to believe God for greater things in my life?
GUIDED PRAYER:
Father, I come to you in the power and authority of Jesus Christ with a belief and confidence in your Word that you are greater in me than anything I face in this world. Today I take the keys of your authority and declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. According to your word I choose to walk by faith and not by what I can see or how I feel. There is no fear or condemnation because I am clothed with Christ’s righteousness and I use the armor of God to resist fear and shame. I am free from any bondage to fear and by faith declare I am more than a conqueror because Jesus has defeated death, hell, and the grave and He lives in me. Amen.
We would love for you to join us for Easter Services at One Church, Saturday 5:30pm and 7pm- Sunday at 9:00am, 10:30am and 12:00pm. CLICK HERE for more details.
