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It's amazing that after all the times I have read about the resurrection of Christ, I still learn something fresh from the gospel accounts. That is a work of the Holy Spirit as we seek God through His written words.
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A fellow writer challenged me to look at the story of the women who went on Sunday morning to anoint Jesus' body with fresh eyes. The account in Mark 16:1-4 held something I hadn't noticed before: "On the way they were asking each other, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?"
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These women had witnessed the brutal crucifixion of Jesus, whom they loved and followed. They had walked with Jesus and heard Him speak about being raised in three days, but they went expecting to find a dead body. We know this from their actions in buying burial spices from verse 1. In their day, taking burial spices was much like our custom of putting flowers on a loved one's grave. It was a sign of love and respect.
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The women went but realized on the way that there were some big obstacles to consider. What about the soldiers placed to guard Jesus' tomb? What about the huge stone that was placed to seal the opening? (Matthew 27:65) Yet, their question also expressed faith that it would be possible. They asked, "Who will roll the stone for us?"
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While the text doesn't describe what it was like for the women on the Sabbath as they eagerly waited for Sunday morning, it does say they went very early, just at sunrise. They were anxious to do something for Jesus. They probably had trouble sleeping as they longed to express both their love and grief for their friend and Lord. As soon as law permitted, they headed to the tomb.
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Let's consider these questions: If they had thought about the obstacles beforehand, would that have stopped them from going to the tomb? Would they have missed out on seeing the empty tomb and hearing about the resurrected Christ from the angel?
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But they ran after Jesus first. They let their questions fill the air as they were going. They didn't let their concerns keep them from their mission.
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This is faith, isn't it? Walking toward Christ in His resurrection power, asking human questions, even while trusting God to make a way?
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The women had planned to honor Jesus one last time but they underestimated the plans of God. They prepared for an anointing but witnessed a resurrection. This historical moment would change the eternal possibilities for every person through all time. Though they didn't dream big enough, they still sought Jesus.
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As we approach this appointed time to remember and celebrate the resurrection of Christ and all that means for our souls, our purpose, and our daily lives, may we be found pursuing Jesus with hearts believing He is able to do more than we can fathom to ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
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May our questions, insecurities, obstacles, and doubts not hinder us from taking steps to draw closer to our Savior. And may love for all He has done to save, keep, and renew us propel us to serve Him until the day we see Him face to face.
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I think we can all say a big Amen to that. :)
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A God-Sized Dream
One of my devotions has been included in this Thomas Nelson publication in conjunction with Proverbs 31 ministries. My piece is for the empty-nest mom, struggling to trust God with their grown children's lives. How can we relinquish our need to control to live with clear minds and peaceful hearts in this tricky stage of life?
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While I don't receive financial gains from being a part of this devotional, I am honored to have been chosen to be included in a book that is meant to encourage others to rest in the faithfulness of God when they are tempted to worry and doubt. If someone is struggling to find the promised peace of Christ in their daily lives, I am thankful to be a small voice in offering hope through sharing my story. I know God is more concerned about that than filling my pocketbook or building my writing platform. He is the giver of all good things, and I trust Him to provide for all my needs.
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If you have read my book and have been encouraged in any way by it, would you leave a review for me on Amazon? It doesn't need to be more than a couple of sentences about what the book specifically did for you. Saying it's a "great" book doesn't help another reader decide if they should order it or not. So, a sentence about how it helped you think of grace in new ways, etc. is best!
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If you missed it, here is the link to the free resource, Embracing Grace, that compliments the contents of my newest book, Grace: Reflections of a Heart Set on God!
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I hope this little study of the doctrine of grace is an encouragement to you as you spend time thinking more deeply on the infinite kindness of God toward us.
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Thanks for reading. See you soon!
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