“SUDDENLY (ἰδού: pay very special attention) there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, 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 IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body WAS lying.” (Matt. 28:2-6)
Can you even imagine the two Marys’ surprise? They come in grief at dawn, looking for the body of the crucified Jesus to pay their respects, only to find the tomb stone rolled away and an angel proclaiming the MOST UNBELIEVABLE NEWS: JESUS HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND IS ALIVE and well in Galilee.
Although His physical presence is not with us, Jesus still lives within each one of us who believe on Him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM.” (John 14:23) Jesus smooths the path and shines His light so that we may find our way. We can see Him at work in every detail of our lives. We can experience His real presence in our families and in the people working tirelessly to care for others during this difficult time. We can EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE in the beauty of spring as it blooms to life all around us. And we can experience His presence in the multiple blessings He bestows upon us.
HAVE A BLESSED AND VERY HAPPY EASTER!
-Bill Stockham