As I write this devotion it is dark and stormy out and I find myself reflecting on the trip that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them made to the tomb of their teacher and friend early that first Easter Sunday morning.
It is dark out.
Only a slight reflection of the sun is showing over the horizon.
They huddle together to ward off the cold of the night.
Walking slowly because the darkness that fills their hearts is much darker than any night.
They walk slowly trying to hold off the task that they must do.
No one speaks.
One hears only the sound of the rhythm of their feet on the rough path.
But in their thoughts, they hear the terrible echoes of Friday.
The accusations
and the lies.
The sound of the whip
and the teacher's cries.
The choice of the other
and the shouts to crucify!
The passing of judgment
and the washing of hands.
The long walk to the place of the skull
and the falls on the path.
The shouts of hate
and the evil laughs.
The sound of nails driven through flesh
and the laughter of a game as they caste for his robe.
The mocking shouts
and a mother's cry.
The cry of the forsaken
and the words of forgiveness.
The call to the Father
and then his last breath.
How the sounds of Friday have filled the last days.
Finally, one of them speaks, softly, “How will we move the stone?” More of a thought spoken than an actual question. Suddenly the earth shakes and a flash of light shoots from heaven. In fear they run. Run to the cave. The tomb in the hill. But the stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. The teacher’s body is gone!
In its place stand two bright shining creatures, reflections of the Holy One. The Messengers of God speak, “Why look for the living among the dead? Jesus is not here but is risen. Come see where he laid. Then go, go and tell Peter, and the others with him. Go and tell everyone, CHRIST IS RISEN!” CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED ALLELUIA!
May you have a blessed Easter season.
Pastor Tim Maybee
Comentarios