The Third Day
Three days can be a long time - but when today is hard and there seems no chance of tomorrow being any better, remember that God delights to bring new life on the third day. Moses, Abraham, Jonah, Hezekiah, Esther and the disciples all saw the glory of God on the third day. They all have something to teach us about looking forward in hope, no matter the circumstances.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ESV For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
Bible Study Questions
In Genesis 1:9 two days of chaos are used by God to create the perfect environment in which He created life. What does Peter tell us about the chaotic storms we experience in life? (1 Peter 5:10-11)
In Genesis 22:4 Abraham arrived at the mountain where God instructed him to offer his son Isaac. God’s commandment could not have made sense to Abraham, especially after God promised that countless descendants would come through the young boy. Later on that third day it all made sense. What are we called to do when we can’t understand what God is doing? (Proverbs 3:5-8)
Exodus 19:10-11 records God’s instruction to Moses to get the people of Israel to put their everyday lives on hold and dedicate themselves to Him. On the third day they were to get a new identity and purpose as God’s adopted children. What does Peter teach us about being God’s special possession? (1 Peter 2:9-11)
In 2 Kings 20:5 God promises to heal Hezekiah from a terminal illness in response to Hezekiah’s passionate prayer. Hezekiah would leave his deathbed and be worshipping in the temple on the third day. What does the Holy Spirit advise us through the writing of David when we face similar suffering? (Psalms 27:14)
The nation of Israel was threatened with complete genocide while under control of the Persian empire. Esther fasted before risking her life by entering into the king’s presence uninvited on the third day. (Esther 5:1-3) Fasting is an opportunity to set our minds on God and His will for us, what does God give those who set their minds on Him? (Isaiah 26:3)
In Matthew 12:40 Jesus reminded the Pharisees and scribes that Jonah spent three days under God’s caring discipline to prepare him to fulfil God’s will to call countless souls to repentance. On the third day, Jonah experienced the fruit of God’s loving discipline. What is the fruit of this discipline in our lives. (Hebrews 12:10-11)
Jesus’ disciples were devastated at His death (Luke 24:21), even though He often predicted that He would be killed and raised to life on the third day. What will God do for His children just as He did for Jesus? (Romans 8:11)
Prayer
Dear Father God Almighty, Thank You that You have carried countless children through the darkest days and brought them safely home. Thank You for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and for the way it proves Your absolute control over all things and over every moment of eternity. Please help us to patiently endure suffering, devoting ourselves to You, obeying You, even when it makes no sense, trusting that Your ways and loving discipline will never fail. Please set our hearts and minds on You as we live each day for Your will and for the saving of many souls. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Worship
God sent His son : Bill Gaither
God sent His son
They called Him Jesus
He came to love
Heal and forgive
He bled and died
To buy my pardon
An empty grave
Is there to prove
My savior lives
And because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives
And then one day
I'll cross the river
And I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then
As death gives way to victory
I'll see the lights of glory
And I'll know He reigns
Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives (He lives)
Hallelujah
He lives
Service
We all go through “three days” that seem darkest, and we are all watched carefully during this time. Let us ask God to make us aware of the example we are setting when things are at their toughest. We need to pray that He helps us learn from Moses, Abraham, Jonah, Hezekiah, Esther and the disciples. We can’t do this in our own strength, but by His Holy Spirit we can make it to the third day and witness His amazing saving grace and power and the way He uses everything for His glorying and the saving of others.