But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” Â Â Â Matthew 28:5-7 (HCSB)
Christmas. Emmanuel (God in human flesh) comes to earth to save me. It seems so wonderful. It seems like that gorgeous present under the tree, flawlessly wrapped, shiny, and it has my name on it!
Sometimes I have opened a gift and had to swallow quickly and call up all my acting skills. Socks! Difficult to define artwork! $3 fragrance set! Not what I thought would be in that beautiful package.
Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth was raised by earthly parents who were neither rich nor well-educated. They were ordinary. He lived in a little known town, not Jerusalem. For 30 years, we know nothing about what Jesus did. If His father, Joseph, was a carpenter, then Jesus probably was probably taught those same skills and, as the oldest, was responsible to make sure that His widowed mother and the rest of His siblings were cared for. He had only three years to fulfill the ministry that the Father sent Him to accomplish. He had three years to take 12 guys with little education and teach them how to carry on and take His message all over the world. There was no Plan B.
In a very masculine dominated culture, I rejoice that it was the women who came faithfully to the tomb that morning and were honored to be the first to hear the extraordinary news that Jesus was not dead but had, in fact, conquered death and the grave. Jesus was “ahead†and that is where He has stayed in my life. Opening doors and leading me through. Did you ever wondered about the stone being rolled away on Easter morning? Jesus didn’t roll the stone away so He could exit. I think if He can blow away death that a stone will not keep Him inside a grave. Jesus rolled the stone out of the way so that the women and then Peter and John could see in! The angel was there to give the word that what we might think had happened – Jesus defeated – was instead a victory!
Under the power of the Holy Spirit, we now share our dreams of a time when we will all be together again. Loved ones may have died. Disease and age may beat us down but because of Jesus, we have an eternal promise that gives me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Don’t leave me when I am old and my hair turns gray.
Let me tell future generations about your mighty power. Â Â Psalm 71:18 (CEV)
I can work in God’s Kingdom, sharing the dream of eternal life even now in the later years of my life. I am passionate about sharing this joy with my children and grandchildren. I am passionate about sharing God’s comfort and healing.
Thou hast often wiped away my tears,
restored peace to my mourning heart,
chastened me for my profit.
All thy work for me is perfect, and I praise thee. Â – Puritan Prayer, The Valley of Vision
