Psalms 68:18 (KJV) Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Ephesians 4:7-10 (KJV) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
When Jesus’ physical body died on the cross on Wednesday & was in the tomb for 3 days, His spirit was not there in that tomb as well.
He was busy. Descending. Ascending. Leading captive ones. Attaining gifts.
It’s a hugely complex study.
But the crux of the matter is that He was still at work during those 3 days, assuring the forgiveness of our sins & our eternal home in Heaven.
His resurrection was the “Hallelujah!” exclamation point to the story He began in that stable over 30 years before.
Because He came, we have hope.
Because He died, we have a covering for our sins.
Because He lives, we live eternally.
Read that first verse again.
“…for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”
What a glorious truth, that even when my rebellious heart had no desire to know its Creator, He came & died to guarantee I *could* be reconciled to Him one day.
I am filled with gratitude & awe as I reflect on the work He did to ensure I could live with Him in Heaven throughout eternity.
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!!!
In Him,
Alesha Kay