Tag: Jesus is alive

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly 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.” (Matthew 28:1-4)

Happy Easter! We can celebrate Easter every day because we live in a world that knows a resurrected Savior. Getting to know Jesus is the best way we can spend our time in this life. Not knowing Jesus is only half living, and sadly, too many people don’t realize that. So Happy Resurrection Day, as we say in Mexico! Jesus lives! Hallelujah.

Context (Matthew 28:1-10): The is Matthew’s account of what happened when Jesus rose from the dead. Matthew puts the two Mary’s at the tomb. They are the messengers back to the other disciples that Jesus is alive. Yet, they encounter an angel and a receive a message Jesus himself. Can you even imagine what these women must have been thinking or feeling? It would be a joyous disbelief, yet complete awe, reverence, and peace. Let yourself feel that exuberance as you reread the text.

The women would have encountered some obstacles at the tomb they may not have expected. There were guards. There was a stone. We’re not told how long the women stood, perplexed at the tomb’s entrance wondering how they would get to Jesus’ body with their carefully prepared spices. Then God sent an earthquake.

And God sent an angel, too. The spectacle of it all was enough to cause the guards to faint. How much more in awe and fascination would be the women who now saw a way into the tomb. Until they got the message Jesus was no longer there.

When I was reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection before even picking up my Bible, I saw a silhouette of Jesus against a bright, glowing light. I imagined it was in the tomb when the Holy Spirit’s power unleashed to bring Jesus back to life in his resurrected body. The force that caused that earthquake could have been that very light of the Spirit breaking the chains of death.

Jesus had been in the light. He had been in that tomb before he wasn’t. My mind’s eye image of the outline of Jesus against the bright light came to life when I read this text. I’d like to share a song I recently heard called, “Come Into the Light” by artist Taya you can listen here. Here’s the refrain lyrics:

“Come into the light. Come into the light, and you will find a Savior, gentle and lowly, waiting on the other side. He will meet you gladly over and over with loving kindness in His eyes. Come into the light.”

If you are ready for your freedom, healing, or redemption, the song suggests we need to come into the light. We need to meet Jesus in that moment. The Holy Spirit will burst upon our lives, too, when we invite him to help and guide.

There is so much peace waiting for us when we meet Jesus. He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us. Jesus death gave us access to God like had never been available. We should not take that gift for granted but always remember. Take time today to celebrate what knowing our resurrected king means to you.

Let’s pray. Risen Lord, what a remarkable thing you accomplished; may your kingdom reign forever and ever. Thank you for giving me access to you so I can get to know you, try and understand you, and be more like you. Help me to always tap into the same spirit that raised you from the dead to strengthen me for service. Thank you for preparing me to serve you. I look forward to each opportunity you present me to point people back to you. Forgive me when I miss out because of some other distraction in my life. Keep me focused and alert. In Jesus’ name. Amen.