Sunday, April 8, 2012

Rolling Stones Away

It is early and still dark. All is calm.  The sky is breaking, bleeding red, purple and shades of blue.  The Sun is about to pierce through the dawn of the morning. 

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."  Matthew 28:6

The earth shook violently and the angel rolled the stone away from the entrance to the tomb.  The guards posted at the tomb were paralyzed with fear.  Before them stood an angelic being, bright white and like flashing lightening.  The empty tomb stood before them.  Only grave clothes laid perfectly where once the Son of Man's body laid embalmed.  The giant stone had been rolled away and the seal broken.  Death lost it's sting.  The grave gave up the only One who could save the entire world. 

"For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:40

Glory has been revealed.  The light illuminates as dawn breaks forth.  Bright orange, crimson and golden hues radiate toward my heart.  The speak loud to the depths of my fears.  I remember this morning that the stone has been rolled away taking with it all my sin. The road to Golgotha, the suffering and pain endured on the cross was not in vain.  The veil was torn top to bottom.  It all makes sense now. 

I am trying to push the stones that are hindering me from seeing the risen Christ.  Are their obstacles preventing you?  Like fear?  So often I hear the words...do not be afraid.  It is human to have this feeling.  Thankfully my fears are rolling away.  I have discovered  this truth as I ponder and survey the cross, the death and resurrection.  At the garden the women came early to anoint the body with spices, to be alone, to ponder.  They were struck with great fear for the body was not there in the tomb.  They had forgotten Jesus words.  The angel gives them a task: go and tell the disciples. It's a call to action.  I can replace my fear by taking action.  Isn't this the Great Commission?  I am called to yield myself to God to be used to bring the Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.

"And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee;there you will see Him. 
Behold, I have told you."  Matthew 28:7

Fear motivates.  It is possible to obey the call to action and still be gripped with fear. Yet these women completed the task and made it to the disciples bringing them the Good News.

"So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone,  for they were afraid." Mark 16:8

News travels fast.  The Sun has now risen and taken it's place in the morning sky.  It is easy to forget the glory of the rising sun...bleeding colors...piercing my soul.   

"Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."  Mark 16:14-16


So this Resurrection morning I remember and I roll my fears away.  I embrace my duty tell others that He is Risen and is alive.  This morning the children at church will be making Jesus story crosses.  I hope to post some photos of these.  We need to share the Story.  Wishing you a blessed Resurrection Sunday as we celebrate together HE IS RISEN!



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