Many movies and TV shows have focused on time travel. The most common theme is to go back in time to prevent or change something in the future. When Jesus walked out of the grave, it changed absolutely everything—past, present, and future! Those who had lived believing in the “one day” coming of the Messiah were at last redeemed. Their faith in what was to come was fulfilled. All those who were presently alive had the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation, and all of us who were yet to come were given the assurance that we could be part of God’s family. It’s hard to imagine what our lives would be like if there had been no Savior. We were doomed because of the fall. The most amazing event in history, the greatest act of love the world had ever or would ever see was when Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave. He paid the penalty for sin, all sin—past, present, and future. Everything was redefined. That should bring us to our knees in worship!

Scriptures – Matthew 27:50-54; Colossians 2:13-15; Romans 8:33-34; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:19-20; Isaiah 55:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Verse – 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. (Matthew 27:50-52) You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:13-15) Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33) He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own…. (Philippians 3:21)

Thought – Jesus changed your past. The impact of the resurrection ripples through time and is so powerful that it changed your past before you even had a past. Jesus stepped in and paid the price for your sins and mine by dying on the cross. When you accepted Jesus as Savior, your sins were forgiven—past, present, and future. They were cancelled, erased, never to be remembered. Jesus also changed your future. Because of his death and resurrection, things changed on the time continuum. He conquered the grave so that death no longer has a hold on you. You have the promise of a new life, new body, and an eternal future in heaven with Jesus. And Jesus has altered your present reality. Because of his sacrifice, you no longer have the burden and guilt of sin weighing you down, you don’t have to fear the future or death or anything because God is with you. God provides help for today, the present. He walks with his followers bringing comfort, protection, and strength for each day. Christ-followers, we are more than conquerors because Jesus won the victory. And Jesus assigned us the task of reconciling people to him. We are to share with the world what Jesus has done. This is God’s plan and our purpose. Jesus paid it all; we didn’t do anything. It was all accomplished through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. That should bring us to our knees in worship!

Questions – What have you wished you could go back in time and change? Can you see ways in which the things you wish had gone differently have shaped your life and faith? How has that been positive or negative? Explain. Is it difficult to understand that your sins as forgiven in the past, present and future? How are you sharing the message of reconciliation with those around you?

Response – Listen to worship music and spend time worshipping God. Thank him for intervening in your history and making your present and your future a reason to celebrate and worship!

Prayer – Most Holy God, thank you for your great love! Make my life an expression of worship and thankfulness for all you have done for me. Allow me to love others as you love and to share your message of salvation with those around me. Give me opportunities to touch lives for you. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.