The Next Day

The next day. . .the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They said, "Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive he said, 'After three days I will rise from the dead.' So give the order for the tomb to be guarded closely till the third day." Pilate said, "Take some soldiers and go guard the tomb the best way you know." So they all went to the tomb and made it safe from thieves by sealing the stone in the entrance and putting soldiers there to guard it. (Matthew 27:62-64a, 65-66 NCV)

Today's Holy Week meditation:

• No amount of human effort can thwart the plan of God, not then, not now, not ever!

Give thanks today:

• For more proof of the resurrection coming through the feeble efforts of the priests, Pharisees, and soldiers who sealed the stone and placed a 24-hour guard, inadvertently providing what they were trying to prevent - evidence of a risen Savior.
• For the dialogue captured in Holy Scripture: Pilate - "Guard the tomb the best way you know," and Jesus - "I will rise from the dead." 
• For Jesus' power, that although the soldiers made their best effort to keep him in the grave, it was no match for what God would do on the third day.

Pray First in every circumstance, challenge, and choice. Always Pray First!