"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body." Luke Ch. 24, vs. 1-2.
Imagine the scene. A handful of women from a defeated, spiritless group of disciples, going early in the morning to perform the last simple rites for the body of One they had loved and followed. The sun had only begun to touch the treetops, and penetrate the long shadows of night that lingered into early day.
Mark tells us what happened next:
" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back--it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them: "Do not be amazed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is not here, see the place where they laid him." Mark Ch. 16. vs. 4-6.
Which all raises several questions:
What stone was rolled away?
-The door to an empty tomb, or the door to their understanding?
Why was it rolled away?
-So someone could get out, or so they could go in?
What did they find?
- Why, nothing. What was there to find?
Questions Easter answers.
As the angel told them:
"He is not here, he has risen, as he said." Matthew Ch. 28. vs. 6.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Colin, the SMCC early morning service was at sunrise at the Marina. Because we are right there at the water's edge, it has become our tradition to dip our fingers into the water of Sawyer Cove and remember our baptisms or receive a blessing. During the service, the sun rose. I stand back to the sun, so I never see it rise, but I get to see its golden glory reflected in the faces of the congregation...awe and joy! A flock of geese flew over, made a circle from our vantage point, and flew on. We talked about that other early dawning, and we thought of those women. They were on our minds most of the day.
ReplyDeleteI listened to the conversations as we walked to the church for breakfast, and to the conversations book-ending our worship service. I think the folks who were there Sunday would answer your questions this way: door to their understanding; so they could go in; everything!
Your early morning service sounds great! What a great place to worship God by the ocean waters.
DeleteColin, I have back to this post several times as I have read the daily passages and prepared services for the Easter season...I like the idea of the stone being the stone that prevents folks from understanding. Thanks for that image.
ReplyDelete