◄ The Stone Was Rolled Away (Easter Reflections - (11) ►

Easter Reflections - STUDY

   The Resurrection

Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. Very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was very great.
Mark 6:1ff

Devoted Fidelity

Oh, what shining examples of loving devotional and devoted fidelity. Loving devotion and devoted fidelity was demonstrated by these grieving women. Last at the cross first at the tomb, and oh so very early in the morning: while it was still dark. Following a night of spice preparation and a dark journey in the misty morning, the grieving, loving hearts came to Him.. the one they loved so deeply,

Dashed Expectation

Hope must have died in their breast as they saw His precious body bound in grave-clothes. Hearts must have bled as they watched Him laid in the tomb, but faithful love had not died. Anguish of heart was replaced by their caring ministry of devotion, in the very core of their beings, as they recalled the bountiful blessings, bestowed from His hand. Messianic expectation had been dashed to pieces in their torn and grieving souls but they were eager to do all, and anything, for this beloved One.

Dutiful Love

Oh believer, no matter how painful the hour and no matter how dark your path or how grim your circumstances, "Love Never Fails". Though expectations may fail of their realisation, and the blossom of hope may fall and die – still cling to Him, the Lover of your soul Remember, our deepest disappointments can often prove to be the richest of blessings in His sweet timing – only rest in His arms of love. Their perceived Messianic hopes were indeed buried, never to rise – for they were hopes, based on a wrong premise. But true hope in Christ the Lord explodes into true glory of unimaginable joy – a true acceptance of the father-heart of love, births into inconceivable blessings.

The Faith of Hope

It is always so when faith’s hope appears to perish through our imperfect understanding... for God exchanges immortal beauty for the ashes of despair. Bring Him your best and most precious ministries and humble service, though your heart may ache – as did these dear women so early in the day.

Hope of Faith

Bring Him the very finest and richest offering of loving trust and trusting love.. from a sanctified heart of deep devotion – yielded to Him no matter what. Bring a broken heart, a contrite spirit, and a life - surrendered of uncluttered love for Him. How anxious these dear ones must have been, as they hurried towards the tomb. How distressed must they have felt as they carried their gifts of love, for the Lover of their soul! How troubled, as imagination magnified to the impossibility of entering the tomb. How bothered they were by the huge stone barrier, that blocked their way to Jesus.

Divine Love

But Divine Love had journeyed ahead of their trembling steps. Godly compassion had gone before and prepared the way. Messengers of God overturned their anxieties. The great stone was rolled away, and the barrier cleared by angelic beings. No obstacle can block or hinder a heart that is overwhelmed with love for Him,  for He loved us first with an everlasting love and He pours out His love into each fainting heart.