Easter Thoughts - Pt. 6

 

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10 ESV).

 

I hope you have enjoyed and been encouraged by the past few devotionals. Today we come to the conclusion of these “thoughts” about the last week of Jesus’ life and ministry prior to the resurrection. My prayer has been that we could focus on the joy that Jesus’ resurrection brings into our lives. Our reading today gives us a glimpse into the incredible experience it must have been for the first followers of Jesus to actually see Jesus after the horrible events just hours in the past. Bloodied and bruised, barely recognizable, these women hastily prepared Jesus’ body for burial as it was nearly Passover and Sabbath. Jewish Law required the work be done before the sun set. A sleepless, grief-filled night and following day gave way to the resignation that the final preparations needed to be performed so that the body of Jesus could finally be shut away in the tomb.

 

But… then… the Father raised Jesus back to life from the dead! Another earthquake and an angel descends from the heavens and rolls back the rock that barred the way into the tomb. They can only liken his appearance to the flash of lightning. The angel speaks and simply says, “Do not be afraid.” What? How could they not be terrified? They are told the great good news of Jesus’ resurrection. While they don’t understand, they are filled with hope and joy.

 

So it must be for us today. Amid all the chaos of the world around us, we cannot always see or understand how God is at work in our world. Seeing the resurrection power of God gives us confidence to know that God has things under control and continues to work all things for his glory and for the good of those who love him (cf. Romans 8:28). The power of the resurrection offers us the assurance and conviction that God is always faithful and keeps his promises. What a mighty God we serve! Have a GREAT Easter!