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 disciplines: “He has

risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, “Now I

have told you.” So the woman hurried away from the tomb afraid yet filled with joy, and ran

to tell his disciples. “Suddenly Jesus met them,” Greetings, “he said, they came to him,

clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then 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 NIV

In Matthew Chapter 28: 1-10, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb

carrying sadness and fear, expecting to tend to a dead body, knowing that their teacher had been

crucified. Instead, they experienced a violent earthquake as an angel of the Lord came down and

said, “He is not here, “He is risen.” As they saw the tomb was empty, they knew their Savior

lives. What they thought was the end was actually the beginning. The women felt fear and great

joy at the same time.

Resurrection hope is the confidence and assurance that death does not have the final word. It is

believing that even when something looks buried, we know God has the final say. The stone was

rolled away, not just from a tomb but from, fear, despair and hopelessness.

How often do we experience a closed door, a broken relationship, a dream deferred, a delayed

promise? These things may feel permanent in our life but resurrection hope will let you know

that it is NOT over. The stone may look heavy, but God is mighty and strong. We are not alone.

Our risen Savior will meet us on the road, speaking peace to troubled hearts, and turn mourning

into joy.

Let us pray:

Lord, our eyes are tainted with the injustice, violence, and sickness in the world. As we struggle

with many disappointments, and closed doors and feel like the stone is closing in, remind us of

the empty tomb. Help us trust that You are still working in places that we cannot see. Replace

our fear with faith and our sorrow with resurrection hope.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

SUBMITTED BY DEACON VERA TRENCHFIELD