Love Ran Wild

Love ran wild and even the tombs gave up their dead. Our connection with God—restored.

April’s Awakening, Day 19

The attributes of God were visible in their fullness on the day Jesus died. God’s nature poured out on Golgotha in a cosmic flood of revelation, and the world quaked. Justice was done, mercy was granted, redemption was accomplished, power was displayed, holiness was vindicated, community was reestablished, perfect wisdom was demonstrated, and love ran wild.

 —William R. L. Haley   

God proved his love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died it was God saying to the world—I love you.

 —Billy Graham 

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. Matthew 27:45, 50–53 NIV

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. Matthew 28:2–4 NIV  

            We have already witnessed God’s love for us through Christ in this devotional at the end of January and early February—John 3:16–17; John 15:13; and Romans 8:38–39. God gave us His all at the Cross and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. This was no ordinary crucifixion—three hours of darkness upon the land, an earthquake both at the crucifixion and resurrection, the veil of the temple rent into two, and even the dead raised to life. God displayed all His love, in extraordinary ways. “It is finished.” Jesus accomplished everything that needed to be done to restore us back into a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You are most dearly loved indeed.