Knowing what was coming next, I set the book aside for the night, leaving the tension unresolved, allowing the weight of his death to linger in my mind. How bizarre that the royal Son of God would endure such ignominy, subject to the wrath of God, and for what? Christ's death shows us the terror and gravity of our sins against God, and the lengths he was willing to go to redeem us - amazing love!!!
Reading again this morning, I imagined myself there with the women as they came upon the empty tomb. The Bible says an angel met them (a fearful proposition), but he said, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." The women apparently believed right away, hurrying to tell the other disciples, their minds no doubt ablaze with thoughts of their dear Jesus, not only the most profoundly impactful teacher and miracle-worker they had ever seen and heard, but at the same time the dearest and closest of dear close friends - and though he had died, he was back, and they would surely see him before long! So they hurried, off as instructed, in the direction of Galilee. But then, suddenly: THERE HE WAS, back from the dead, he greeted them, in person, fully alive, standing upright with no problem, better than ever (so to speak), again breathing our air and using it to speak words of life. Of course the ladies embraced Him, but not with the hug we might expect - they "took hold of his feet and worshiped him."
And so we worship!!! This same Jesus is as alive today, every bit as near (if not nearer) to those who worship. And the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a life-giving reality for us who believe. #constantblessedness
Next in the story, the women went to tell all their friends...
