“…He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:9b-10
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “What is THAT about?” Why did Jesus descend into the lower parts of the earth? Is this what took place while He was buried? What does it all mean?
It means, in a word, “victory!” It means that Jesus, before His ascension into heaven, went down into the prison the Bible calls “hell” and proclaimed His victory over death, hell, the demons and everything else that would prevent Him (and us) from having life. After He descended, He ASCENDED to the heavens victoriously!
In 1 Peter 3, the apostle tells us, “…He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient…” 1 Peter 3:19
So what was He preaching? The word for “preached” in 1 Peter 3 is a not a word that means to preach the gospel, but rather describes the declaration of victory – to declare that something has been done. This would be the moment that Jesus served notice on satan and hell that Jesus’ kingdom (and His future followers) had been secured by the blood shed on the cross, and were to be led by a resurrected Christ. He was serving notice on them that all their attempts at evil and imprisonment were in vain from that moment on. He was letting them know that one day they, too, would bow in submission at His might and power.
To me, this is kind of like going into the visitors’ locker room after the game and letting them know that even though they did their best, it wasn’t enough and that they were officially beaten. It is not a taunt, but a reminder that Jesus is the reigning champion.
All this was unseen to Jesus’ followers at the moment. All they could see was Jesus’ body nailed dead to the tree. They could see Him being taken down and placed in a tomb. It was what they could not see that was significant! Isn’t that the way it is so often? It is when we do not see God working that He often works in the greatest ways. Because of what Jesus did that day – you and I are liberated from satan, sin and death!
He has, by His death, reconciled us to Himself. He has completed the task to “…seek and save that which was lost.” And this is very, very important information for people to hear.
As you’ve prayed these past few weeks for the people God has put in your life, and as you’ve invested in their lives, now is the time to make sure they hear the life-changing truths of the gospel. What do you need to do today in order to make a difference in their lives for eternity?
Prayer:
Lord, it is incredible to read about what You’ve gone through for us. I am both humbled and thankful that you descended into “the lower parts” to establish victory over satan. Help me to be bold and courageous in inviting those you’ve put in my life to hear this same truth. Today, let me be a soldier and a follower in your army.
Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me today?
What am I being asked to do?
How do I need to begin obeying Him today?
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