PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 16:1-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb.” (Mark 16:3)
Mary Magdalene knew the size of the rock between them and Jesus (Mark 15:47).
Despite this, she and her friends go to honour Jesus’s body.
They determined to do something good, despite the impossible stone in the way.
As it turns out, God overcomes this impossible stone for them.
The resurrection of Jesus is what I call ‘the Jesus factor’.
As partners with Jesus, we face an impossible task in the world.
We are called to honour and bless Jesus by honouring and blessing others.
We are called to represent God’s kingdom as weak, humble servants.
Who will move the stones of resistance and opposition for us?
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
These words are Paul’s conclusion at the end of his resurrection message.
Stand firm in doing good, Jesus will overcome the stones that block us!
PRAYER
Lord, many times I have seen you move impossible stones to bring life and hope and love to others. Thank you for the assurance of your resurrection!
“Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.” They are reacting like I would have expected, humanly speaking! How can a human being process what they had just witnessed? The stone rolled away, a white robed individual giving them instructions and telling them that Jesus is alive? They were there Friday evening and witnessed Jesus body being put in the tomb and the guards put in place! The guards are gone and so is Jesus – what do we make of this? The women fled totally out of their mind with fear and bewilderment! Their bewilderment is genuine – and it speaks to the truth of the resurrection! Jesus is alive! That is still unbelievable for many today! But let us see what the women saw and believe! It takes faith in Jesus to get around the barrier of unbelief!
The women who were with Jesus continually came early in the morning to do what they could not do due to the time of His burial. They came to complete their task and on their way they questioned themselves about the stone in front of the tomb but kept going. God had the answer for them. The stone was rolled away. They were alarmed only after entering the tomb, It was empty, except . . . God was with these women to use them as His messengers. They fled because they did not grasp nor understand what had happened. They remained silent. Thank You Lord that You also appeared to others to open their minds and hearts that we serve a risen Saviour. Open my eyes that I may see You his day as I serve You.
I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.