What would be your reaction if you were visited by an angel? Would you be overwhelmed with awe? Would you remember what was said to you? What if the angel had a specific message for you from Jesus? Would that be memorable?
An angel gave a message to the women who went to visit the tomb. Mary Magdalene and another Mary likely went out of grief. Perhaps they went out of disbelief, hoping that something dramatic would happen. It did.
As the two Mary’s approached the tomb, a tomb that was being guarded by soldiers, a violent earthquake rumbled. It announced the coming of an angel, who then rolled the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. The soldiers were shaking in their boots and fainted. As Matthew records, they became like dead men. It is little wonder. We are told the angel appeared like lightning. In other words, he was shining brilliantly, perhaps to the point of blinding.
I can imagine the two Mary’s falling to their knees, shielding their eyes, and being in awe of what was happening. Then, to top it all off, the angel speaks to them. He knew why they were there. He knew they came looking for Jesus. But he has wonderful news for them, Jesus is not there. He is risen! I’m sure they were both overjoyed and in shock.
Not only did the angel give them good news, but he gave them a message they were to deliver. They were to tell Jesus’ disciples that He had risen and would meet them in Galilee. How would you react to such an occurrence? After standing there with our mouth open, looking completely dumbfounded, I would hope we would deliver the message as these two women did. We can still deliver the angel’s message today.
I pray we all listen for messages from God. I pray we are both in awe of messages delivered and the method by which they are delivered. I pray each one of us continue to tell others Jesus has risen and lives today. Be in awe of God. Listen for His message. Tell others about Jesus.
Matthew 28:5-7 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.”
Marty Pressey 