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| Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
New International Version (NIV)
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What worries you today? Can we name the sources of our fear? The possibilities are many. I would list some but I don’t want to give you new ideas. Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).
What worried the women who went to prepare Jesus’ body on that first Sunday after the crucifixion? Mark gives us a few subtle insights into their state of mind. They brought spices, even though Nicodemus had already provided 75 pounds of them. When we come together, we all bring something with us. Will there be enough to prepare Jesus’ body in the right way?
But what about the stone? The rock sealing Jesus' tomb weighed a lot. Could this group of women even get into the tomb to do the hard work? They were racing the clock. Jesus had been dead for a while. What if they were locked out? No worries, the stone had been rolled away. Wait, where was Jesus? The man in white sitting on the stone was not Jesus. The angel knew they were alarmed so he said, “Don’t be alarmed. Jesus is risen." Trembling and afraid, they didn’t tell anyone at first. They were afraid.
As we begin a new week, why not name your worries today. Bring them into the presence of the risen Lord. All of our fear is caused by calculating without God. Whatever you need today, there will be enough, because Jesus is enough. They didn’t need the spices. The door was already open. No need for a funeral. Jesus had triumphed over death.
Whatever happens today remember this: our Savior knows his way out of the grave. Wherever you go today he precedes you. Look for him and you will see him. “Fear knocked at the door. Faith opened. There was nothing there.”
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Pray with me:
Father, remind us of the resurrection, not just one Sunday a year but every day. Thank you that Jesus is risen “all the time.” We bring all of our worries, doubts and fears along with us today. In the radiant light of your powerful presence, they all fall away. As we look for you, let us find you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Scripture memorization for this week:
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
New International Version (NIV)
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| Our 2021 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations Bible reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. We will also memorize 2 scriptures each week. As we journal together this year, Robby Gallaty’s H.E.A.R. plan is a good resource: Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.
Joyfully,
Duane
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