“Jesus Delayed, Defied, and Defeated Death” (Ready to Worship S9E12)

May 10, 2019

Ready to Worship Season 9, Episode 12 for Friday, May 3, 2019

This season on Ready to Worship, we are examining the resurrection of Christ. Examining this event will greatly enrich our worship. Jesús delayed death. Many that were sick and dying were healed by Jesús. Luke recorded a case like this involving a centurion’s servant. We read, “And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die” (Lk. 7:2). In this case, and others like it, Jesus delayed death. Death still eventually came, but it was delayed significantly by Jesús. Jesus defied death. Some that died were raised from the dead. Again, Luke records a case like this involving a widow’s son. We read, “And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother” (Lk. 7:11-15). In this case, and others like it, Jesús defied death. As you know, death eventually came again. However, it was defied for a time. Jesus defeated death. In His own resurrection, Jesús defeated death. Death never came again for Him. He is alive for evermore. As He walked among the candlesticks or churches of Asia, Jesús declared, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1:18; cf. 2:8). Having defeated death, Jesús holds the keys of the grave and of death. Just think about how comforting this is. Because of Jesús, we don’t have to worry about the heavy, iron gates of death anymore. As we get ready to worship this week, let’s remember the One who delayed, defied, and ultimately defeated death. He is worthy of worship.