Have you ever been surprised with a gift so wonderful you couldn’t believe it was true? I believe we all have had good surprises during our lifetime, but I don’t believe any could be as wonderful as having someone you loved appear to you alive after being dead for three days.
Put yourself in the shoes of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they went to the tomb (Matthew 28:1). Remember, the day before was the Sabbath and they were at home observing the holiday. Now, the day after, they get up early to go to the tomb to mourn the death of their beloved friend and teacher. An earthquake happens and the stone in front of the tomb rolls away to reveal emptiness.
Typically, the stone would have been a large stone disc. It would have been heavy enough that it would have taken a couple strong men to roll it away from the tomb opening. Not only that, but the stone was normally held in place by a large rock. You see, the stone would have been rolled down a slope to cover the tomb opening and the rock kept the stone from rolling any further downhill. So, when the earthquake rolled the stone away from the opening, the stone would have rolled uphill. Amazing isn’t it?!
As we celebrate this Easter, let us remember that Jesus has indeed risen. Not only has He risen, but He is always with us. We might also marvel at other miraculous things that happened that morning and ponder the pure joy of seeing your Lord and Savior in all His brilliance after having witnessed Him being brutally beaten and crucified. I’m not sure we can fully comprehend how joyous that would have been for the two Mary’s and the apostles.
I pray we celebrate this Easter in joy and wonder. I pray we are amazed at the wonders of God and His miraculous power. I pray we live in Jesus Christ each and every day of our lives. Be in awe. Experience the pure joy. Celebrate Jesus Christ every day. Live for Him and with Him.
Matthew 28:5-10 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Marty Pressey 