Unspeakable Joy

Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers

to go to Galilee; there they will see me.

Matthew 28: 10 (NIV)

Have you ever looked back over your life, and wondered how you made it this far?

Sometimes when we are confronted with difficult choices we are overcome with anxiety, and uncertainty. All we want to do is run and hide.

As Jesus was led away to be questioned and crucified, many of his followers abandoned him, and acted that very same way. It seemed as though others were either drawn to Jesus, or feared and rejected him.

Imagine for a moment the tumultuous times the disciples found themselves in, and what it must have been like to journey with Jesus to the cross.

Full of grief and confusion, a few faithful women were among the followers who looked on as Jesus suffered, and sacrificed his life for us.

I can only imagine the heaviness in their hearts as they witnessed the unspeakable death of our Lord.

Accounts tell us that “Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons” (Matthew 27: 55-56).

In the beginning it was the Lord’s love, acceptance, and healing that drew these women to Jesus.

After Jesus’ death and the Sabbath, it was their love that couldn’t keep them away.

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.’ Now I have told you.

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell the 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).

God’s unfailing love set the Word in motion.

Unspeakable death led to unspeakable joy.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were the first to hear the Good News of the Risen Lord!

Jesus had sustained them, forgiven them, and now with such gratitude, love and devotion for the gift He was in their lives, they would continue to play a vital role.

Bowing to glorify the Resurrected King, rejoicing in God their Savior, these women had witnessed Jesus’ suffering, and death. Now assured by the angel that what they had seen was true, the women were urged to act fast to share Jesus’ resurrection with the disciples.

Called and chosen, their testimonies of faith, along with other disciples, would change lives.

Our testimonies will change lives, too.

Jesus is the glue that holds us all together.

These women couldn’t imagine living without Jesus.

Neither can I.

My dear friend, it is such an honor and privilege to walk in the Light of the Risen Lord together.

As we celebrate Easter I want you to know that God loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31: 3).

The next time you find yourself up against a difficult decision, know that Jesus is the glue that holds you together. God has already thought it through, and is just a prayer away.

May the hope and joy of the Risen Lord bring you all the love your heart can hold!

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

Love and blessings...

I’d love to hear how the Risen Lord has been at work in your life, and anyway that I can support you in prayer. Reach out to me at sue@faithfirstwomen.com

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