Fresh Beginnings
by Susan Marlene
“Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver
said, ‘After three days I will rise.’
Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as
secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the
stone and setting the guard.
Matthew 27:63 & 65 – 66
The sun had already risen that early
morn at the beginning of the week on the third day. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and
Salome1 made their way to the tomb to bring spices that they might
anoint their precious Jesus. Who would
roll away the rock for them? Surprise shook awake any lingering slumber and
shoved aside grief with a fresh desire to run. The guards were not there. The
huge rock—rolled aside, allowing free entrance. Astonishment compelled their
feet inside the tomb.
“Do not be amazed; you are looking for
Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen!”2 The
young man clothed in a long white robe—sitting on the right side—seemed to be waiting
for their arrival to offer a message bursting with fresh beginnings. A message and
welcome they’d not expected.
How so like our Lord, to show His power
when the world expects weakness. To create wondrous blessings out of our
deepest griefs. To bring hope and joy when the world is shrouded in darkness
and despair.
His Word is alive and active, rich and robust—creative.
Relationship with Him dissolves religious trappings and allows the new life—the
real-life—to burst forth in our thoughts, attitudes, and spirit. Like
springtime beauty, we can be His garden of delight as we worship and bask in
His presence through it all.
Let’s pray… Lord, I ask that I will
become more and more a fragrant garden of worship and gratitude for Your sweet
grace and un-measurable love. You are with me every moment of every day. I’m
not alone because You—wonderful Father—are in my heart to stay. Amen
1 Mark
16:1
2
Mark 16:6
