He Has Risen

Scripture: 1 – 2 At the rising of the sun, after the Sabbath on the first day of the week, the two Marys and Salome brought sweet-smelling spices they had purchased to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. 3 Along the way, they wondered to themselves how they would roll the heavy stone away from the opening. 4 But when they arrived, the stone was already rolled away in spite of its weight and size. 5 Stepping through the opening, they were startled to see a young man in a white robe seated inside and to the right. Man in White: 6 “Don’t be afraid. You came seeking Jesus of Nazareth, the One who was crucified. He is gone. He has risen. See the place where His body was laid. 7 Go back, and tell Peter and His disciples that He goes before you into Galilee, just as He said. You will see Him there when you arrive.” The women went out quickly; and when they were outside the tomb, they ran away trembling and astonished. Along their way, they didn’t stop to say anything to anyone because they were too afraid. (Mark 16:1-8 The Voice) The faithful women came to the tomb to do what they could do for Jesus. They were not sure how they would be able to do the job though because of the large, heavy stone that was at the opening. First, they were surprised to see that heavy stone rolled away. But then as they stepped inside the tomb, they were also surprised not to see the body of Jesus as they expected, but a young man in white. As he told the women that Jesus had indeed risen, he gave them an assignment: go tell Peter and the disciples what will happen next. Everyone seemed to be afraid and were not sure what was happening. But the truth was that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, but had risen! Lord, when I am surprised or startled by something that You do, help me to be quick to believe. Thank You for Your continued love and faithfulness in my life. AMEM Lord, even if my health may fail, and my spirit grow weak, You will remain the strength of my heart. I have made You my shelter. Psalm 73
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