PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 28:1-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The guards were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:4)
Frightening angels and powerful earthquakes… what is going on?
The whole creation – spiritual and physical reality – is convulsing in wonder.
At this moment everything changes; Jesus overcomes the curse and restores God’s world.
The angels, and the creation, are shaking with excitement.
Even the soldiers are caught up in the excitement, though for them it is fear.
They do not know what is happening, but they are caught up in it anyway.
As are we, and all people… we are a part of this remarkable story.
This is not only the dawn of a new day, but a new reality.
Death has been beaten, LIFE has been restored, and we can share in it!
Life, hope, joy, blessing, peace, justice, health, wholeness – new creation!
Why are we so unaffected, so lifeless, so gloomy and despondent.
In this moment creation is groaning with anticipation.
In this moment the angels are glowing with excitement.
Is anyone else excited?
PRAYER
Lord, everything changes here. The curse of sin is broken, and Life is restored. May Your resurrection make me excited too!
the Roman guards were trained to meet the threat – expecting possibly a gang of Jesus’ followers to ambush them – but then to have the ground shaken under your feet and a dazzlingly bright angel suddenly appear – these guards froze up – like dead men! Oh to feel the power of Jesus resurrection – the shaking, the bright angels – the frozen guards with useless weapons of defense not even employed. The drama – the drama – what power – hallelujah what a Saviour! This is the day – the curse of death proven to be broken – turn fear into joy for the Lord is risen indeed!
An earthquake.
The stone was rolled away. An open grave.
Earth shattering.
Dead men.
Heaven came down. New life was given. Those who did not believe were like dead men. All those who do not believe are like dead men. Only in Christ Jesus am I alive. Alive forevermore.
Alive, alive, alive forevermore
My Jesus is alive, alive forevermore
Alive, alive, alive forevermore
My Jesus is alive
Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah
My Jesus is alive forevermore
Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah
My Jesus is alive for evermore