“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! - Luke 24:5-6
I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene to come to the tomb, expecting to anoint Jesus' body, but find the large stone rolled away from the entrance and the tomb empty. To be with Jesus, to love Him so much, to watch Him die on the cross, and then to find His body gone seems like too much for one woman to bear. The most beautiful part of this for me comes next. When Jesus had risen He did not appear before a large crowd or the chief priests. Rather He appeared first before Mary Magdalene who wept outside the tomb for Him. During church today my pastor said something that touched my heart and truly described my Savior. She said that Jesus didn't shout from the rooftops or show up at Pilate's (the man who sentenced Jesus to be crucified) door. Instead He appeared first to a crying woman. That is my Savior.
On this day it is easy to get wrapped up in hiding eggs, filling baskets with candy, and cooking a grand dinner. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy spending time with family and gorging myself on chocolate, but don't forget the true reason for this day. Jesus overcame sin and death for us. He is giving us the gift of new life and eternal life with Him. It's so amazing! In a world that tries to bring us down, Jesus wants to lift us up! As I've said, He is giving us the gift of new life, but it is up to us whether we choose to accept His gift.
- Nicole
I LOVED that part of the sermon on Sunday as well. It reminds me that I am not un-sinful and I do things wrong sometimes ... BUT ... He still loves me and cares about little, sinful me. I am so grateful for His forgiveness and that He is so humble in coming to earth for me and So Righteous to forgive me of those sins!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I like that you're reading my blog :) My favorite part was that Jesus wasn't boastful and didn't appear to everyone and say "I told you so" like I probably would have. Instead He appeared to the person who needed Him most at that moment. It makes me happy!
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