Matthew 28:1-10
Early
on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great
earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and
rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and
his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they
saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Then
the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been
raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come; see where his
body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been
raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will
see him there. Remember, I have told you."
The
women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also
filled with great joy, and they rushed to find the disciples to give
them the angel's message. And as they went, Jesus met them. "Greetings!" he said. And they ran to him, held his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there." NLT
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God of Hope,
My Living Lord,
I
feel the fear and joy of the women who were at the tomb that glorious
Sunday morning when You arose from the grave giving them the amazing
gift of the resurrection - eternal life.
After Saturday
mourning, these faithful followers awoke earlier than usual. The sun's
rays were just beginning to illuminate the new week when they somberly
and silently went to sit by the sepulcher. O how I wonder what I miss
when I don't seek You early in the morning. Undoubtedly, these women
didn't expect the excitement that was about to unfold!
In the shadow of
sorrow and sadness, the earth suddenly shook ferociously. A brilliant
array of brightness bolted like lightening through the dark morning sky,
jolting them from their feet. An angel, dressed in a glistening garment
surrounded by the radiance of Your glory swiftly moved the huge stone
aside and sat on it. He calmed their fears and proclaimed the Good News!
You most certainly were alive.
The empty tomb guarantees it.
The angel assures it.
The women witnessed it.
As You promised, all
my sins were buried in that tomb with You. My old way of life was gone
forever, forgiven and forgotten in a cold, dark, empty grave. As You
arose, so did I to a bountiful, beautiful new life. Hallelujah!
Because You live, I can face tomorrow.
Because You live all fear is gone!
Because I know You hold the future
And life is worth the living just because You live.
Fill me dear Lord
with the same reverent fear and exuberant joy You gave these dear women.
Exploding with excitement, I will go tell the Good News to all those
around me! "Jesus is alive! A miracle has happened before my eyes. I
have seen His shining glory, heard His gentle voice, and will never be
the same again. Come and see!"
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O
how I wonder what we miss when we don't seek to worship Him early in
the morning. Undoubtedly, we miss many exciting encounters with the
Lord! I challenge you to get up early tomorrow morning, while it's still
dark outside, and go to the grave. Seek Him! There you'll find an empty
tomb and abundant new life! Go quickly! Worship Him!
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