Annamarie vd Merwe said: September 4, 2008 9:43 pm PST
Good Morning,
I started reading your Running Oration yesterday and noticed the outstanding issue. You asked for info. I do not have info (in the strict sense of the word) on Christ's words in Matthew 12:40, but maybe the following idea, notion, insight, inspiration (whatever you may want to call it) can be of assistance.
Further, I don't know which issue is still outstanding - "in the heart of the earth" or "three days", therefore I cover both. I'm only a "lay person" ... (only pulling your leg!). My terminology might be a bit mixed up but I hope you get the idea.
1. â??My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken meâ?(Mat 27:46). When Christ died on the cross on the Friday, He was no longer in the presence of God â?? He was separated from God. He remained there until He rose from the dead on Sunday morning. Being separated from the love and presence of God, puts one in Hell (my understanding) and therefore in a manner of speaking â??in the heart of the earthâ? (Mat 12:40)
2. In Jewish tradition the counting of days is inclusive, thus counting a part of a day as a full day. Therefore: Day 1 â?? part of Friday, Day 2 â?? Saturday (Sabbath) and Day 3 â?? part of Sunday (the First Day when He rose again).
I thank you for all the other info on your site - it had contributed tremendously to my growth as a child of the Lord and still does.
Greetings and blessings.
Annamarie