Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” Mark 16:2-3 (NLT)
I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent way too much of my time worrying. Worrying about things that might happen, worrying about how, worrying about what if…. just plain worrying. I finally learned that my worry and fussing wasn’t necessary. God was already rolling away the stone.
The scripture above took place early on Resurrection Day. These women had faithfully followed Jesus during His ministry on earth. They had watched as He carried His cross to Golgotha. They saw Him bow His head and surrender to His Heavenly Father. They had watched as Joseph of Arimathea took care of Jesus’ body.
Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching. Matthew 27:49-61 (NLT)
After spending the Sabbath day mourning, the women got up early the next morning to visit Jesus’ tomb. Along the way, I imagine their conversation went something like this. “What will we do now?” “Who will continue Jesus’ work?” “What will the Jewish leaders do now?” “How will we live?” But the most immediate worry for them was “Who will roll away the stone?”
Do you sometimes find yourself worrying about how this journey will end? You might worry about your mom or dad in the far country, not knowing which way to go. You may worry about how things have changed in your life. You may worry about how your praying mom or dad are going to make ends meet.
There may be a huge stone blocking your way. Or maybe many stones. Maybe Dad or Mom have moved to another state and you don’t see them often. Maybe they don’t call much or seem like they care much. Maybe there is another person involved or even another family.
Let’s look at the rest of this story. Even though these women knew there would be obstacles in their way, still they came.
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. Matthew 28:1-2 (NLT)
They came because of their faith. They came because of their trust. They came because of the Jesus’ promises. While they were walking, God was working. Your faith, your trust, your belief in God’s promises, coupled with your prayers and unconditional love, will roll that stone away. While you are walking, God is working.
So don’t worry about the stone when God already has a plan in mind. Don’t worry about how big your circumstances are when you know how big your God is. Don’t worry about the how or the when. When the time is right, that stone will be moved. Keep walking in faith.
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” Mark 10:5-7 (NLT)
God bless
A Stander in Nebraska
