“On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him! ” At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went home again.”
(John 20:1-10 HCSB)
“But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? ” “Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for? ” Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” — which means “Teacher.””
(John 20:11-16 HCSB)
We’ve all been in situations where we felt it was hopeless, or maybe a circumstance that seemed impossible. When Mary came to the tomb that is how she and the other followers of Jesus felt. They were discouraged, and it seemed as though all was lost. But on resurrection morning the stone was rolled away! God did not roll away the stone so that Jesus could go out, but He did it so that we could see in. There is hope in any situation because Jesus lives! This is why Paul prayed, “That I might know Him (Jesus) and the power of His resurrection.” We need resurrection power to face life and it’s difficult problems. Resurrection power means we have been given victory through Jesus Christ. God who raised up Jesus will also raise us up. Resurrection power means we have hope through Jesus Christ. Don’t be discouraged and don’t be without faith today. Believe God for resurrection power to give you victory over temptation, patience and endurance in your storms, and hope to live life with joy, love, and courage.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, may we know You and the power of Your resurrection today. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 