Easter
Friday, March 28, 2008
Getting a Life!
1Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. 2Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. 3His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.”
8The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to find the disciples to give them the angel’s message. 9And as they went, Jesus met them. “Greetings!” he said. And they ran to him, held his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
11As the women were on their way into the city, some of the men who had been guarding the tomb went to the leading priests and told them what had happened. 12A meeting of all the religious leaders was called, and they decided to bribe the soldiers. 13They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you and everything will be all right.” 15So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. Matthew 28:1-15
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, it’s a full week since we observed “Good Friday.” We’ve now also celebrated Easter. For those of us who live on this side of the cross and resurrection, the events of Holy Week are celebrated and remembered every year, but I pray today that I may celebrate and remember them throughout the year. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may remember moment by moment that Jesus’ power is ultimate—it is a power over sin and death, a power that leads to resurrection for all who believe. Assure me of this truth always. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
What joy do you look forward to the most in heaven, when this life is complete?
Having focused on this passage for six days now, as you read it today, what was there that you didn’t notice before, or that really stands out to you right now?
How do you see God’s overarching purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and mission being lived out in this Scripture?
What is the most obvious truth to you in about God in this Scripture?
Who do you need to tell about the resurrection power of Jesus?