The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of April 20
Then the angel spoke to the women, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I told you.” - Matthew 28:5-7
Can you even imagine the two Marys’ surprise? They come in grief at dawn, looking for the body of the crucified Jesus to pay their respects, only to find the tomb stone rolled away and an angel proclaiming the most unbelievable news: Jesus has risen from the dead and is alive and well in Galilee.
Let yourself experience this moment for a few minutes. Close your eyes and picture yourself at the scene. Imagine your awe and even perhaps your shocked disbelief at the news that Jesus has risen from the dead. He said it all along, but did you really understand or believe it could happen?
Can you receive this Good News as if you are hearing it for the first time? Rejoice in the fact that Jesus proclaims this Good News for YOU!
Although His physical presence is not with us, Jesus still goes ahead of us, just as He went ahead of His disciples to Galilee. He smooths the path and shines His light so that we may find our way. Although we will not likely see Jesus’ physical presence during our time here on Earth as the women and the disciples did, we can see Him at work in every detail of our lives. We can experience His real presence in our community and in the people working tirelessly to care for others during this difficult time. We can experience His presence in the beauty of spring as it blooms to life all around us. And we can experience His presence in the multiple blessings He bestows upon us.
Lord and Savior, I admit, it’s hard to imagine the scene of Your resurrection. My mind struggles to wrap itself around Your mystery and make sense of it all it. But I believe, I trust and I have faith in Your goodness, love, forgiveness, compassion and grace. Thank You for being with me during this difficult time. Thank You for always going ahead of me and for walking beside me. I am grateful for the peace of Your presence. Amen.