He is not here

1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8 And they remembered his words, 9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Luke 24:1-11

The women came on the first day of the week to prepare the body of Jesus. They brought spices and were ready to work until everything was finished. They knew a large stone was blocking the opening of the tomb and wondered how they could move it. (Mark 16:3) Imagine the surprise when they arrived to find the stone had been moved. As they cautiously entered the tomb more shock as two men were in the tomb clothed with “shining garments”

Fear overtook the women as they fell on the ground, but the men spoke and asked why they were looking for someone who was alive in a grave. Perplexed and surprised the women carefully listened and heard one of them say, “He is not here but is risen, remember what He told you”.

Remember what He told us, oh yes we remember, He told us all these things were going to happen to Him. He is not dead, but ALIVE!! Quickly they left the sepulcher and hurried to tell the disciples; surely they will remember and believe what has happened.

Arriving at the place where the disciples were they told the story. Instead of agreeing and comforting them the disciples just “brushed them off” as “idle tales” and did not believe the women.

Have you told the Resurrection story to family and friends and they “brushed you off”? Do not despair, continue to share God’s story. His word does not come back void. (Isaiah 55:11)

Have a blessed and wonderful Resurrection Day and remember “He is not here, but is risen”.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

P.S. Who were these women at the tomb? Three are named in this portion of scripture, Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James. Join me this week as I look at their stories.

He is not here ...

Matthew 28:1-10
1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

What a long horrible weekend it had been for the disciples of Jesus. The joy of spending time with Him and learning from Him had quickly come to an end. They had stood by the cross, heard the terrible things being said about their Lord and watched as He died, suffering like no one should ever suffer. The tears finally dried, they traveled to the tomb to prepare the body of Jesus (Mark 16:1).

Earlier in the morning a great earthquake had shook the earth and an angel came down and rolled the stone off the opening at the garden tomb. The angel's face was brighter than anything on earth. The guards of the tomb were scared stiff and could not move, appearing as dead. Imagine how you would be if an angel suddenly appeared beside you.

Mary Magdalene and Mary were frightened as they inched closer to the tomb. The angel spoke and beckoned them to come near, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Go and tell His disciples.”

“Fear not … He is not here …Go tell His disciples.” They could not believe the words they just heard. They ran for joy, hardly believing their legs could carry them. As they were running to tell the disciples, a man met them. Not just any man but Jesus. The joy overwhelmed them as they fell on the ground to worship Him. Praising and thanking God for His unspeakable gift. (II Cor 9:15)

Today as you enjoy Easter dinner remember what happened on this day two thousand and ten years ago. It is a special gift from GOD to you. Have you accepted this precious gift?

Have a blessed day,
Donna