“Let not a libation of tears be the only offering at the shrine of Jesus; let us also rejoice with joy unspeakable. If we have need to lament our sin, how much more to rejoice at our pardon!” Charles Spurgeon

Tears were all that remained as the body of the Savior, Jesus was moved to the empty tomb – a grave carved from stone for a rich man – now welcoming the dead warrior.  The King of the Jews lay lifeless on a slab of cold granite.  Tears were all that remained.

Yet in that grave, beyond the sadness, beyond the grief, the body of Christ was still fighting our battles.  He descended into the pit of hell to be totally abandoned by His Father.  He suffered what we should suffer because of our sins.  He died so we wouldn’t have to.

As He descended into that netherworld, He came face to face with His enemy, the devil.  Even in death, Jesus could not be defeated.  He crushed Satan, as was promised.  Tears remain, but now they are tears of joy as we realize that the work has been accomplished.  Our sins have been forgiven by God Himself.