After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There 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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then 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.’
Matthew 28:1-7
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I wonder if we sometimes miss the feeling of despair that hung over the followers of Christ on that first Easter morning.
Maybe it would be helpful for us to consider it a bit more.
Here’s what we know:
— The women walked to the tomb in bitter darkness carrying spices to anoint the dead body of the one man who had loved them more than any other before.
— Days earlier, they had witnessed this great man of God tortured beyond any human likeness.
— The women were so distressed and distracted, they hadn’t even considered how they would roll away the stone when they got there.
— Meanwhile, the disciples had scattered, cowering in fear.
— The man they had entrusted with everything laid lifeless in a cold tomb made of rock.
All hope was lost… or so it would seem.
It was into that great moment of despair that God stepped in.
As the earth shook, God rolled away the stone and breathed life into the body of Christ. Jesus arose at first light, his resurrection announced by the angels themselves.
And with his resurrection, both sin and death were defeated for all those who would believe in Him.
It was when ALL hope was lost that God showed His greatest love and ultimate victory.
I don’t know where this message hits you today. But if you are in the midst of despair and sense all hope is lost—whether for yourself, your family, or your world—please remember that with God hope is never lost.
In fact, it is often during our darkest hour that God’s power and love appears the greatest.
That is the story of Easter. And that is the story of today.
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Prayer
Father, we thank you today for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on that first Easter morning. His victory over death provides us hope. Not just hope for eternity with you, but hope for the moments in life when it feels like all hope is lost. Strengthen our faith and focus today. Amen.