Listening to the Easter Message

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10)

Thoughts: The women were afraid.  This is mentioned a couple of times.  They were not afraid of the guards or the weight of the tombstone any more.  They were afraid of the mystery of the resurrection and the supernatural intersecting with the natural.  The angel told the women to not be afraid (5); The women were afraid (8); Jesus told them to not be afraid (10).  You can add to this that the guards trembled with fear like dead men.  Fear was definitely a part of the resurrection story.  But the message from both the angel and Jesus is clear- "Do not be afraid- and spread the good news!"  This is the message today.  Even in the face of terrorism.  Do not be afraid of them- but spread the most important news- that there is life after death (that even Roman guards or terrorists cannot take away).  Sadly, the women didn't listen to the angel- so Jesus Himself had to tell them.  We are slow to listen to God's Word- even if an angel comes to tell us.  We are naturally like Zechariah who didn't really listen when the angel said his wife would have a son though they were old.  We need to listen to the message to have peace and not be afraid.  

Prayer: Lord, let me hear your voice giving me peace.  Let your peace fill my body.  

11/11/12- Philippians 4- and Peace

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
But my God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Philippians 4:6,7)
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (Phil. 4:12)
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

(Ruins of the Philippian jail from 1st century- Paul and Silas stayed here and sang until the earthquake freed them).

Thoughts: I wrote these multiple verses from the same chapter for us to get a feel for what Paul was trying to say.  Keep in mind Paul was writing these words from prison (Phil. 1:13).  He had been in prison in Philippi and had been singing and praying in prison there.  Paul lived these words out.  He had been a captain of the Pharisees- well educated, wealthy, respected, a rising star.  But he gave it all up to know and follow Christ.  Paul was urging these persecuted Philippians to trust in God- even in their persecution.  These words are hard but true.  Those who have given themselves to the god of this world will have a hard time hearing them- they seem naive.  But peace is found not by more and more things we see, but putting our faith in the unseen God- who made all we see.

Prayer: Help me to  be content in you, Lord.  Give me grace to trade anxiety for prayer; worry for trust; things for faith.