This morning began for me, with some grave clothes laying about. You know, reminders of loss, sorrow, and fear. And I am tempted to just stare at them, as Peter did at Jesus' empty tomb, and wonder to myself what has happened. (Luke 24:12) Looking at this empty tomb, and neatly folded strips of linen, Mary and the disciples believed that someone had moved Jesus' body, and they were filled with distress. They had no idea that this stessful situation they had found themselves in, was instead the greatest miracle and blessing of all time. The resurrection of our Lord and Savior - and the redemption for all mankind, salvation ~ victory ~ LIFE ~ hope. Even though it appeared to be empty grave clothes, a stolen body, and further loss. Appearances are deceiving. We cannot look upon our present circumstances and decide the future, because it is when all is lost ~ that God can fully rescue and redeem the situation. And so the angels are the first ones to comfort and minister. They tell them, "do not be alarmed," Mark 16, "do not be afraid," Matt. 28, and John's Gospel tells us that one angel even asked Mary, "why are you crying?"
And then they see Jesus.
Matthew tells us that Jesus says "Greetings" first, but John records that He said "Mary" - He called her by name. I can hear Him calling me by name this morning, "Lisetta". And then He says "Do not be afraid."
He knows your name, and He knows that you are afraid, just as He knew that Mary was afraid. He knows that the situation looks bleak, that the tomb is empty and the body is gone, He knows how this must seem. But He says, "Do not be afraid."
So let me just speak some Truth over us;
"Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:16-18
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
I would have it no other way, than for the Lord to remind me that all of these earthly things are passing away, that grave clothes on a fallen planet are a certainty, and my HOPE is not in these things - but in Jesus Christ through whose death I received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and it is through Him that I can overflow with hope - real hope. That is what I want - filled up and spilling over Hope.
